I was entranced, over the weekend, by this immensely beautiful photograph of the refectory of one of the monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece. It came from a two part supplement to “The Guardian” newspaper, in which some facts about the health and diet of the monks living there were discussed – being described as “The World’s Healthiest People”.
There were some very impressive details from studies that have been carried out with the inhabitants of Athos. A five year study of 2000 monks found virtually no incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, with exceptionally low rates of heart disease and “unusually low rates” of many different kinds of cancers.
One of the reasons cited for their exceptional vigour is that they eat a modest diet with no meat, totally fresh foods, semi-fast every otherl day and live under conditions of very low stress.
I would suggest that being surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of these wall paintings – living in an environment where beauty was seen as necessary to the health of the whole person, would make its own contribution to peace and tranquillity, which surely can only be beneficial to the wellbeing of body and soul?
Photograph by Mark Read, Guardian/Observer supplement, Sunday 17th Feb 08
That is a gorgeous refectory and the stats are interesting, too. I know there has been a nuns longevity study that reports similar results.
So, how did the weekend go?
Posted by: Fran aka Redondowriter | Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 00:32
What a beautiful and serene place to take meals. Definately stress reducing I'd say.
Darla
Posted by: Darla | Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 13:13
You know that women are by no means allowed on that wonderful Greek monch´s island - maybe that fact has contributed to the monks´good health ? But I think life on that mountain is so relaxing and quiet, how should anyone living there not be well ?
Lieselotte
Posted by: lieselotte Fritsch | Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 18:27
I'm the lurker who keeps dropping by to check on you. I really enjoy your entries.
I hope you are well and busy with that beautiful garden. Were you one of the lucky ones who had a snowy Easter? It was hot down here near the Gulf coast of Texas. Now, we have cool nights and mild days.
"Spring has sprung!"
Posted by: MaryLou/TX | Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 23:01
Well isn't this something!
Posted by: Barbara | Thursday, February 05, 2009 at 17:24
Yes correct , no stress , nothing problems , special diet with fresh food , no meat , but the best is the balance you can feel from the first second when you look the Holy place of God Mother - ATHOS . Your soul , and body fell the change and if u can stay few days you understand the changes .
Posted by: Andreas Georgiou | Wednesday, April 04, 2012 at 11:57
wow,wanna visit and dine there
Posted by: susan | Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:02