There are areas in the world designated ‘Blue Zones’, which are geographical areas of longevity and health, in which people routinely live to 100 with good vitality.

As you would expect it is all about lifestyle with these 6 shared characteristics: family – put ahead of other concerns, less smoking, semi-vegetarianism, constant moderate physical activity – as an inseparable part of life, social engagement with people of all ages and eating legumes. The researchers that identified these common qualities go on to extrapolate 9 lessons covering these life styles, including life purpose, engagement in spirituality, family life and social life. These qualities are all part of living in healthy ways to thrive, discover true happiness and unlock personal vigour.

Of the 5 Blue Zones in the world, none is a city. While we might all have our own take on these characteristics, it seems that happiness is maybe the most important measure, which is a result of a lifetime of everyday behaviours and choices. These zones are places of beauty, community, interdependence with our environment and each other. These are the qualities that expand our consciousness and raise our vibration.

Sadhguru reminded us all this week that churches and temples were not built primarily for religion or worship but places to raise our consciousness, to reach a higher and higher vibration in which more can be revealed to us. Naturally we can raise our consciousness by visiting sacred sites, dwelling in nature, spending time in the vastness of the oceans and in so many other ways.

“It is not necessary to believe in God to be a good person. In a way, the traditional. Notion of God is outdated. One can be spiritual but not religious. It is not necessary to go to church and give money – for many, nature can be a church. Some of the best people in history do not believe in God, while some of the worst deeds were done in His name.” Pope Francis

We could all start with our homes, which can become such places – places of beauty rather than simply utilitarian, built on gratitude rather than grasping, seeking for things you think you don’t have. In doing so, everything becomes rejuvenated and heightened,  our senses and smell and especially our interactions with others. Our homes could become those havens of rest, rejuvenation, tolerance, understanding and community – that slice of heaven on earth.

So lastly we turn to our thoughts. What helps us is by taking stock today and recommitting to ourselves, we take the highest possible perspective on what we experience around us. We consciously look for the love, the sharing, the awareness of what is really going on and the understanding that it is all about our consciousness and to become the best we can be in every situation.

Love