First, let’s establish where the word, Moai® (pronounced “mo-eye”) came from and what it means. The word "Moai" comes from Okinawa, Japan, and translates to "meeting for a common purpose." In Okinawa, neighbors use Moais as a support system to help those in need. Based on this tradition, Moais provide social interaction and support that are just as important to a person’s overall well-being as the benefits of walking or eating healthy. Blue Zones Project® offers two different Moai programs: walking and potluck, where groups of 5-8 people walk or potluck over a period of 10 weeks.
Second, let’s define magic: Beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life.
Today was our first Moai of 2016 and it really was a magical experience. At the end of 2015, we decided to start each monthly Moai meet-up with a physical or healthy activity before we dig into a scrumptious potluck lunch. We started with a sweaty yoga class at 9:30am at The Yoga Project, and then met at Angela’s house for food and conversation. Our food theme for January was “wheat-free” because this month’s host recently discovered she had a strong intolerance to wheat.
This year, we decided it was important to support and elevate each other in a new way, and we did so today through a group reflection of 2015 and then planned what we wanted 2016 to look and feel like. The exercise was completed individually, but we collectively shared our revelations from 2015 and then talked about what we desired in 2016. We reflected on our biggest accomplishments and toughest moments in 2015, and we shared one word that will guide our journey in 2016. This one word would serve as a reminder of what we want most in our lives right now.
This word would serve as our compass when we forget what path we are on, or what we are working toward. Big, juicy, powerful words filled the room and we shared why we chose the word: Strength, Progress, Direction, Flow, Courage, and Commitment. The importance of the word comes from the WHY and intention behind it. For example, progress means working toward a huge goal of opening a business and starting a family, and courage means being true to yourself and walking in your personal truth and power. Flow is a state of bringing harmony and joy to life’s moments and enjoying the journey along the way.
We stayed in the conversation of life for several hours and supported each other along the way. These conversations are where you find moments to deepen your friendships and uplift each other. When you take time to connect with your “Right Tribe” and slow down enough to reflect and plan, you realize that we are all connected in some way. We are all walking on a path toward our version of a happy, healthy, radiant life. And why not surround yourself with great (mostly plant-based) food and amazing people who will support you in your personal journey toward your highest and best self?
So here’s to our magical Moai. 2016 will be our best year yet, and we get to experience it together. Meet your Moai now. It could change your life. Blue Zones Project will offer Walking and Potluck Moai Launches in April 2016 and you can sign up at MeetYourMoai.com. Until then, feel free to visit the website to learn more or start walking and potlucking with a group. You will be amazed at the social connectedness it can bring.
Yours truly,
The Magical Fort Worth Moai
