The Philosophy of “Buen Vivir” (Good Living)
When we talk about health, we often think of simply not being sick. However, health is much more than the absence of illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
But what if we look beyond this modern definition? In many ancestral communities, health is understood in a much deeper, more spiritual way. Let’s explore how ancestral traditions view the concept of health & good living:
1. Prevention and Body Awareness
Ancestral health traditions focus on knowing your own body, listening to its signals, and caring for it through organic nutrition and conscious habits. Prevention is key, and living in harmony with nature is prioritized.
2. Traditional vs. Western Medicine
Natural medicine—plants, infusions, and healing foods—is the first line of treatment. Western medicine isn’t rejected, but it’s reserved for emergencies like fractures or serious interventions.
3. Spiritual and Emotional Dimensions
Health is seen as a balance between body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Introspection is essential, and people are encouraged to look inward to understand the emotional or energetic roots of illness.
4. Food as Medicine
Food is both a source of health and healing. Natural, chemical-free ingredients are favored, based on the understanding that a well-nourished body is more resilient. As the saying goes: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
5. The Body as a Whole
The body is seen as a unified whole, reflecting our inner state and our relationship with the environment. Caring for the body means caring for the self.
At Magdalena, we honor this ancestral approach to health. We believe in reconnecting with our bodies, our food, and our roots to achieve deep and lasting well-being.
Conclusion:
The Philosophy of “Buen Vivir” (Good Living)
“Buen vivir” is a central concept rooted in ancestral practices and expressed in community dynamics. According to researchers Valentina Vélez and Camila Morales who mapped the experiences of the Agroecological Market of Quindío in Colombia, it’s not just about individual well-being, but a way of life. Here are some core principles of buen vivir:
Interdependence and Harmony: Humans are interconnected with nature and each other. The goal is balance, not exploitation.
Beyond Survival: Food is more than sustenance—it’s an act of reciprocity and resistance, rooted in respect for the land.
Conscious Eating: Preference is given to organic, local foods, with knowledge of who grew and prepared them. This stands in contrast to processed foods and industrial agriculture.
Integral Health: Health is holistic—encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prevention and traditional medicine using plants and natural foods are central.
Resistance to Homogenization: Buen vivir resists capitalist systems that promote uniform lifestyles and production methods. It’s a form of cultural and ecological resistance.
Collective Over Individual: Community well-being comes before individual gain. Social relationships are based on reciprocity, solidarity, and cooperation.
Critical Interculturality: It values ancestral wisdom and diverse worldviews, promoting dialogue between cultures to create new ways of living.
Music and Tradition: Music is a tool for preserving and celebrating traditions, reinforcing identity and community bonds. Local instruments and songs connect people to their history and heritage.
Importantly, buen vivir challenges the Western development model that prioritizes economic growth and individualism. Instead, it offers a perspective rooted in ancestral knowledge—one that embraces collective care, ecological balance, and cultural resilience in today’s world.
