Book: 'Ikigai' The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.
Publisher: Penguin Books, 2016.
Biography of author:
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles are co-authors of the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life." Héctor García, a Spanish author, has lived in Japan since 2004, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture. Francesc Miralles, also a Spanish author, focuses on personal development and mindfulness. "Ikigai" explores the concept of finding purpose and joy in daily life, combining insights from Japanese culture, particularly the habits of the residents of Okinawa known for their longevity.
Ikigai
"The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" is a non-fiction exploration of the concept of Ikigai, written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book dives into the Japanese approach to finding purpose, happiness, and longevity, drawing on real-life examples and insights from the residents of Ogimi, a village in Okinawa, known for having a high concentration of centenarians.
The Four Pillars of Ikigai
- What You Love: Do things that make you happy and bring you joy.
- What you are good at: Identify and develop your skills and talents.1
- What the world needs: Find ways to contribute to the world and make a positive impact.
- What you can be paid for: Seek opportunities to turn what you love and are good at into a livelihood
Details about ikigai
Okinawa is a small island in Japan. It’s called the healthiest place on the planet. The average life expectancy of men in Okinawa is 84 years and the women's life expectancy is 90 years. This is the highest on the planet, putting Japan at the top of the list of centuries with the highest life expectancy. Okinawa has the most centenarians per capita in the world.
It was seen that there are five big secrets behind the health and longevity of these people. ”Hara Hachi Bu “ is a rule followed by these people which means stop eating when your stomach is 80% full. These people use smaller vessels to eat. This practice aligns with the idea of mindful eating and is believed to contribute to the overall health and longevity of the people in Okinawa.
Blue Zone Study
Blue Zone wellness: the secret to longevity lies in Okinawa
It’s the recorded history of the last thousand years. Okinawa has always been famous as the home of the longest-living human beings on this Planet. Once upon a time, this place was named the land of the immortals. Scientists and researchers have studied the people thoroughly in depth under the project named Blue Zone Study. The following were seen as the big secrets behind the health and longevity life of the Okinawa people.
Moai
A group of lifelong friends who hold each other accountable. It has been observed that the biggest determinant of living a long and healthy life is the quality of close relationships. It’s not just a thing, it’s a scientific fact that people who have more face-to-face interaction are more socially connected. They feel more connected to their friends, family and community. They are not only physically healthier, but also emotionally happier. Those people also live longer lives compared to those people who are not much connected to their communities, friends and family. A good life builds a good relationship.
Resilience and Adaptability
"Ikigai" recognizes that life is full of challenges, and finding one's purpose may involve overcoming obstacles. The book encourages readers to embrace change and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Resilience becomes a key component of a purposeful life, reinforcing the idea that challenges are not roadblocks but pathways to personal development.
Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset is another essential aspect of Ikigai. The authors draw on the principles of logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, which emphasizes finding meaning in all forms of existence, even in the face of suffering. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, individuals can enhance their overall well-being. This mindset becomes a guiding force in navigating life's challenges and finding fulfilment.
Conclusion
Ikigai gives importance to everything. I feel it’s the most complete definition of purpose that I have ever come across and I believe Ikigai is a fundamental health and wellness principle. Your physical health is greatly dependent on your mental and emotional well-being, and your mental and emotional well-being is greatly dependent on having a sense of purpose in life. It is often associated with finding purpose, passion, and fulfilment in one's life.
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