Greek-American Creates ‘OPA’ Network to Promote Meaningful Way of Life

When you visit the OPAway network, you listen to the famous Greek music syrtaki, at the same time joining the OPAvillage, where the operator of the website welcomes you with the Greek way of saying hello – “Yiasas.”

Greek-American Alex Pattakos and his partner Elaine Dunton, both PhD Professors, authors and Greek culture lovers, came up with an innovative idea. They used the most popular Greek word to explain in brief what Greece is and especially, to motivate people all over the world to live life in meaning.

Everyone says “Opa,” when they dance, sing, drink or meet a Greek person abroad. But for the two academics, O stands for the “meaningful connection with others,” P stands for the “deeper  purpose,” and A stands for the “attitude” with which we should embrace life.

It’s not just part of the Positive Psychology, it’s an entire philosophy dating back to Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, according to those inspired, which could be summarized in only one question – How could we live a better life?

“We realized the answer to this question while dancing with some friends, relatives and total strangers in a tavern on Crete a few years ago,” says Alex Pattakos. “OPA is more than a word. It’s a way of living and working,” adds Elaine, “so, we felt we had to share this knowledge with others, too.”

“Greek villages taught us what books do not say. They showed us that close relationships, whether social or professional, could improve one’s life,” comments Pattakos. And he further admits that “although much focus has been placed on the economic crisis throughout the world, the real crisis is the Crisis of Meaning.”

They also adopted the International Day of Democracy to celebrate OPA day. On September 15, they call on all OPA lovers to celebrate it in every Greek way they can – with friends, dance and laughter.