In Pursuit of Contentment…..

Americans are restless. We seem to always be chasing the carrot on a stick, seeking a bigger carrot when we catch the first. Our existence is fueled by material possession, acquisition and the king of vice, more money. Virtually every aspect of our lives is measured in quantifiable terms, including our willingness to share our resources. Less you think I have had a stroke just before drifting into the philosophical realm, my thoughts today are centered around a society that eschews wealth and seeks food, shelter and basic social courtesy. I have been privileged to live all over the world, having been born in scenic Sendai, Japan before spending time in Germany, Okinawa and Vietnam (where the desire to not be shot dominates your existence while you seek to kill those seeking to kill you). About Okinawa…..

Okinawan people are descendants of an ancient feudal system where daily piety to their God is a way of life and wealth is measured oh so much differently than western cultures. When I looked at Okinawa in 1964, when I lived there, and Okinawa today, western influences have caused a seismic shift in their cities. Until the war, Okinawans were (and are still in the countryside) centered around their religious belief and certainly not the government. We forced our obsession with government on them after conquering the Japanese near the end of WWII. They are a people that values the land, their ancient culture and their relatively simple existence. The land and sea provides a simple diet, rich in vegetables and seafood consumed in reasonable quantities. They value empty hand personal defense, giving rise to several forms of martial arts, seldom necessary in their peaceful existence.

Their diet is a model of simplicity, devoid of processed anything and is considered their Kusuimun or “medicine of life”. They relish Goya (bitter melon), seaweed, Shikuwasa, (a citrus fruit) and Moronai (a kind of vinegar). Vegetables are their mainstay. They also consume pork, but either boil or roast the fat from the meat and consume it in small quantities. They are an incredibly social people, with little stress and worry about the industrialized world.

Their reward? They are a “Blue Zone” home to more centenarians than 99% of the rest of the world. Their diet, avoidance of self imposed stress, and satisfaction with life, result in a content and incredibly resilient people.

Contrast their existence with ours. We are constantly in pursuit of a better mouse trap, and eat processed crap adulterated with chemicals fresh from the lab. We are adept at waiting for the government to control yet another aspect of our lives and are a very unhealthy society in virtually every respect. We seem to seek stress, a sure killer. (Recently gerontologists are seeing a slight decline in their longevity, the result of western influence on their diets and lifestyle.)

Did I learn anything from these people while living among them. Apparently not, a regrettable circumstance. I am 74 years old, and likely as content with my life as ever before. Sharon’s kitchen discipline has resulted in a huge shift in our diet and there isn’t much else I need. The materialistic nature of America guarantees it will never be a Blue Zone, instead trading that existence to be a world power on the fast track. Trust me here, there isn’t a single Okinawan who would trade their existence for ours and they could give one rat’s ass who is running for President.

Have a great week!

SR