We are on a tiny tropical island with only 400 people. In the community center the older ladies gather together for exercise, fellowship and fun. They gather around to dance the Okinawan Traditional Way. We get to just sit in and enjoy. One of the secrets to Okinawan long life is their sense of community. Where we often in the USA do not have time to "come together" for meaningful fellowship, it is a part of their daily lives. It blows me away to think that they learned to dance this way as little girls, and now way into their 80's they are still dancing. No pride, no sense of thinking about what people think, just having fun, living life, living the Okinawan Way. These people are not lonely on this island, they have just learned how to live, simple. Low calorie intake, healthy exercise, no pressure, not in a hurry. Maybe one of the last places in Japan that people live like this. But think about it, a dying race, Tonakians, thier children have given up this type of lifestyle. They have moved away. They have exchanged it for the fast pace life of Tokyo, even the fast pace life of Okinawa (compared to here). Most of the people here in Tonaki don't even have a car, let alone a driver's license. They are not in a hurry, what is the rush? The more I think of it, the Bible College students are blessed to be a part of all this, even for a few days. A place really that maybe time has forgot. Wow! Please click on the video above.
3 comments:
I am a little embarrassed writing this, but oh well. When I was writing this article it was kind of hard not to get a little teary eyed. Thinking about their lifestyle. The people, even as I write this comment they are singing in the background and Ryuko is playing the sanshin with an old grandma who is close to 100 years old.(I posted their picture after writing this comment)Pretty amazing, a real privilege.
It makes me teary eyed as I think of this precious island that I spent many childhood days is a dying place. I have such fond memories and the people there were always so kind to me.
This is me some day! Karolina. Its awesome to see this ladies, I wanted to share and I pray that the next generation will appreciated us more know days. Don't waitt until we are older. Amen.
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