Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To a Long and Happy Life

‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ is an insider that layer out the formula for the long and healthy life of the villagers living in Okinawa province in Japan. Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia, the authors of the book explore various aspects of the life of Okinawan people and their practices that keep them active at such an elderly age. They inspire each one of us to find our own IKIGAI and drive our passion to achieve it without taking a restless thought.

As the book title, ‘Ikigai- The Japanese secret to a long and happy life’ itself explains the meaning of the book. The people of Japan believes that everyone has an ikigai – a motive to leave the bed each morning. Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your ikigai.

It will show you four of the most important traits of life-

1. how to leave urgency behind,

2. find your purpose,

3. nurture friendships and

4. throw yourself into your passions.

What is Ikigai?

The term Ikigai is explained in various ways. In brief, you can define it as, the reason why you get out of bed in the morning. Ikigai is the reason for your existence. The book highlights certain question, like, “why don’t you commit suicide?” linking to western therapies (such as logotherapy). This could be a harsh question for any one of us. But it compels you to think about what’s most important in life? At that point when you get the answer, there lies the secret of a happy and long life. As an answer to this question, you will find your own Ikigai. Among many reasons, this is one of the reasons why the inhabitants on Okinawa Island are getting extremely old. And this makes Okinawa Island the home of maximum centenarians than anywhere in the world. But the most interesting thing is that at a high age they are still active and happy.

Ikigai term in this book is translated as "the happiness of continually being busy". Ikigai is the result of combining your passion, motive, and occupation. Your ikigai can be extremely specific, but it might also be something you're still searching for.

Ikigai: Japanese Concept

You will get amazed to know, Okinawan never get to retire. It is just because after knowing your Ikigai you won’t give it up. The nicest part about your Ikigai is that you won't want to give it up once you've discovered it. Some elder (more than 90+) claim that they have so many plans that they don't even consider dying. They are always motivated to get out of bed in the morning for a specific reason.

The Ten Rules of Ikigai-

1. Stay active, don't retire

2. Take it slow

3. Don't fill you stomach

4. Surround yourself with good friends

5. Get in shape for your next birthday

6. Smile

7. Reconnect with nature

8. Give thanks

9. Live in the moment

10. Follow your ikigai

To understand the following rules, you have to read the book.

Now the question is ‘Do you know your Ikigai?’. I know most of us don’t know about it. Some still struggling about the future and worried about what to do?

In this case, you must discover your Ikigai, and for that, you must read this book. You will also discover the secret health tips of the Okinawan.

Thanks for reading the article and the link is given to purchase the book.

Written By-

Shakir