My recent trip to the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica was an experience of Blue Zone living. The three aspects of Blue Zones, where populations live exceptionally long and healthy lives, are diet, routine activity, and community. These populations share lifestyles that promote well-being in the physical, mental, and social realms. Besides longevity, there are fewer chronic illnesses and a better quality of life. Having already discussed the first two, it’s time I dig into community.
People living in the five recognized Blue Zones around the world all share a common sense regarding community. They are engaged and valued members in their families, centers or worship, and friend groups. These communities strive to have their elder family members live close by. Their hard-won wisdom is sought and respected.
The community who assembled at Anamaya Resort for the Blue Zone experience was a disparate group. Made up of about fifteen women of all ages, we came together initially as a solo or in groups of two or three. I myself traveled with two friends, but shared a bunk house with two women who were themselves friends. There was a mother/daughter duo and even a grandmother/pregnant granddaughter duo. We came together as a community in the outdoor yoga studios, on shared excursions, but especially around the table. Within that short week, we coalesced as a cohesive group as we supported each other, laughed, and shared stories.
This aspect of community really showed up for me on our last day in Costa Rica. I had misplaced my phone and just could not find it. I retraced my steps numerous times. There were only so many places it could be. I wasn’t worried about it being stolen, except perhaps by the roving band of monkeys. My anxiety was pretty evident, and my bunkmates immediately volunteered to help me. Another woman showed up and amplified the call for help in locating my phone from staff. Within five minutes of her call, my phone was found exactly where I had left it—and overlooked it on my searches. Community to the rescue.
I have written often about the importance of my community during the time of my husband Harvey’s Alzheimer’s disease. I could not have done it without those circles of support—family, friends, faith community, and professionals. No one can “do” life alone, without community of some sort. Even in relatively comfortable times, human beings are not meant to be alone.
I have several circles these days: my faith community, my close family, my extended family, my neighborhood friends, my tap dancing friends, my creative writing class, and my group that studies the spirituality of the enneagram. I have close friends within these groups, too. Even though I am not currently in need of support, I would be able to call upon a number of individuals within these circles if needed.
I love that I have so many various friend groups, some overlapping in a remarkable Venn diagram.
As I age, I realize that I will probably need to call on my community in larger ways in the upcoming years. I hope that I will not be too “independent” to ask for help from these circles of family and friends should the need arise. I want to be able to recognize when I need help and not be too proud to ask for it. And, of course, I will gladly lend a hand to those in my community who need my help. We need each other.