What is "Blue Church"?

The term “Blue Church” is a play off of the concept of “Blue Zones”. I was introduced to this concept in the book “Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life”

“Blue Zones, as identified by Dan Buettner, are regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than the global average. These regions have been studied extensively, revealing crucial insights into the impact of diet, lifestyle, and social support on overall well-being.”

The concept of Blue Zones, I think, holds immense value in understanding how lifestyle choices affect our health. The way we live, what we eat, and how we interact with our environment and community has a great influence on both our physical and mental health. By examining the characteristics of Blue Zones, and applying them to our Christian life, we can learn important lessons about living healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Functional medicine, which focuses on addressing the root causes of illness rather than merely treating symptoms, in my opinion, aligns really well with the concepts observed in Blue Zones. Studying the diet and lifestyle of people in these regions can provide valuable information on what contributes to their longevity and health. These concepts can then be applied to prevent and treat chronic diseases more effectively.

Spiritual health is another critical component of overall well-being that is highlighted in Blue Zones. These regions often feature communities where social support, a sense of purpose, and spiritual practices are integral to daily life. These elements help individuals manage stress, find meaning and purpose, and foster a sense of connection and community.

The concept of Blue Zones offers valuable insights into how we can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. By learning from these regions, we can strive to create communities and lifestyles that promote health and well-being for everyone.”

One such place is Ikaria. Ikaria is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea. It is known as one of the five Blue Zones, regions of the world where people live longer, healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet. Here are some aspects of life in Ikaria:

1. Diet: The traditional Ikarian diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, and low in processed foods and meat. The island is also known for its herbal teas and wines made from local grapes.

2. Physical activity: The terrain of Ikaria is mountainous, which means that walking and hiking are popular forms of physical activity. Many older Ikarians still work in agriculture, which keeps them active and engaged.

3. Social connections: Ikarians have a strong sense of community and social connections. Families often live close to each other, and there are frequent gatherings and celebrations that bring people together.

4. Relaxation and rest: Ikarians value relaxation and rest, and often take naps in the afternoon. The island's hot springs and natural pools are also popular places for relaxation and healing.

5. Spiritual practices: The Greek Orthodox Church is an important part of life on Ikaria. Many Ikarians attend church services and participate in religious festivals and traditions.

Upon reading this book, and learning of this concept, I realized that a lot of the things discussed in that book, the church, (particularly the ancient/eastern/mystical traditions of Christianity) already have practices that are embedded in them, to render these same results, for longevity and increased health spans.

• Prayer - Hesychastic, Contemplative, Noetic, and more…

• Fasting

• Use of choktis or prayer beads

• Praying with breath

• Moderation of eating (healthy eating)

• Physical movement

• Entheogenics (smell/scent)

• Community

• Gratefulness

• Love

• Encouragement

• Acceptance

• Connection to the Divine, the transcendent

And so much more…

So, I had the thought that our churches can become a kind of “Blue Zone”, or rather a “Blue Church”. We can use our Christian religious and spiritual practices to become walking “blue churches” as well. This is a book I am writing at the moment (as of 07/11/2024 lol).

So that’s the origin of “Blue Church Book” and why it’s called “Blue Church”.

Be sure to sign up to our newsletter to know when the book is available for purchase.