Family First!
A book written by Dr. Dean Ornish (UnDo It!) was featured recently in a Blue Zones article. The book is about how simple lifestyle changes can REVERSE most chronic diseases. The framework of his book rests on four pillars: move more, less stress, love more, and eat well. What caught my attention was the emphasis Ornish puts on connection with family. He points out that many people think that spending time with family is a luxury after we do all of the things we are supposed to do in our lives. According to Dr. Ornish, “science teaches us that IS the most important stuff. The time we spend with loved ones is the single most important determinant in how long and how well we live.” This month’s Blue Zone concept is family first.
I remember reading Dr. Ornish’s book about reversing heart disease after my father had a minor heart attack about 30 years ago. Little did I know that his life’s work would reappear to help me with mine. According to Ornish, “there is a direct primal need that we have as humans for connections and community. That’s how we’ve survived as a species all these years, by taking care of one another.”
It’s not surprising that Buettner’s Blue Zones research highlights “loved ones first” as one of the lessons learned by studying people who’ve lived the longest. Many of these people built their lives around family duty, rituals and a strong value of togetherness. People interviewed for Buettner’s book worked hard, but they said they did everything for their family. Many generations still met for meals on a regular basis with their family so they could spend time together.
This month’s plant slant recipe is butternut squash soup. There’s nothing better on a cold winter’s day than soup simmering on the stove, fresh bread baking in the oven, and a fire roaring in the fireplace as you get ready to share a family meal!
The most successful Blue Zones centenarians built their lives around family duty, rituals and a strong value of togetherness.
I hope everyone had time to spend with their family and friends over the holidays. As you adventure into 2022, think about new ways you can infuse loved ones first into your life.
Reflection: What types of rituals or activities do you do to bring your family and friends together? How are you making the time to connect with and take care of others in your life?
Action: Make one family meal a week over the next few weeks sacred. Have everyone participate in the meal preparations and take time to enjoy the experience.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup