Book Review_6 : Book Name ~ Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life ~

Book Name : Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Author: Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles

Published in the Year: 2016

No of Pages: 200

Publisher: Thorndike Press, 2018

“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years” ~ A Japanese Proverb

Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles who are known as inspirational writers have authored the book “Ikigai”. The authors explain “ikigai “as a reason for living. If one discovers the purpose and motive behind life, he or she has found the key for a happier and longer life. Ikigai is the intersection where passion, mission, vocation, and profession unite -- means that each day is infused with meaning and having a strong sense of passion , driving us to wake up in the morning. It is the reason why the word “retire” does not exist in dictionary of Japanese, as they remain active and work at what they enjoy. They have found the real purpose in life: the happiness of always being active and being busy.

In researching this book, the authors have interviewed the residents of Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100 year olds one of the Blue Zonas of the world. This book reveals the secret to their long and happy lives, what is their lifestyle like, how they foster collaboration and friendship in the community, also how they discover the purpose of life, the ikigai. This book provides the reader with the practical tools of finding their own ikigai.

While writing this book, they have focused on the village named Ogimi, a village in Okinawa, reported to have world’s highest life expectancy. Garcia and Miralles deliver clear brief information about diet, exercise, sleep and meditation. An active body and calm mind is the secret for long happy life as per the authors. Ikigai is the motivation that makes you excited for a brand new day.

My takeaways from the book are as follows:

1. Significance of knowing the purpose of life: It is important to find out the meaning of life rather than constructing one for ourselves.

2. Being with the Tide: Once you have discovered the meaning of life, it is important to be with the flow. It is significant that one completely plunges in the experience without getting distracted by the surroundings.

3. Committed towards the Practice of the Techniques: The authors share few practical techniques, which can enhance physical, emotional and mental well-being like yoga, meditation, Surya namaskar, Tai Chi and so on. A lot of us are aware about the same but very few chose to practice. The book stresses on the practice of these techniques and making them a part of daily living.

4. Finding perfection in imperfect : The book introduces a new Japanese technique called “Wabi Sabi “, which means finding beauty in imperfect. Here defective is favored over excellence. Japanese ephemeral things are beautiful because they resemble the nature. Out of chaos and confusion comes the clarity. Hence, a little bit of turbulence is necessary in life to make us stand strong and keep us going. Be resilient.

5. Find out what you are GOOD at, what can be Paid for and what the World needs.

6. Hara Hachi Bu: A Japanese proverb, which means “eat until you are 80 % full “: The villagers of Okinawa believes that eating a little less than you need is healthier. It helps the body to digest the food better and one will not feel bloated. Also, consume organic food or have your own small plantation and farms.

7. Prefer walking or cycling to other modes of transportation: In Okinawa, the people tend to rely on walking or using bicycle as a mode of transportation, which is why their bodies are in a fit shape . However, these days sitting is the new smoking.

8. Financial Advice: Those who possess the knowledge of ikigai know that you should not have only one source of income. The Okinawans had their fixed jobs before they retire but they are also very good farmers. Whatever amount in excess, they will sell it at their local market, which in turn transmutes their interest into some money. Apart from that, they would not mind to do some odd jobs while they are on their off days, in order to earn some extra bucks.

9. Moai: This is another beautiful phrase in Japanese, which means surround yourself with good friends, help each other when in need and spend quality time with family.

10. Smile more and appreciate things that are here and now. Learn from the past mistakes, prepare for the future possibilities and work hard for the opportunities in the present. Go out in the nature and be grateful.

The authors have expertly collected key philosophies linked to physical, mental and emotional well-being into an appealing, effortlessly manageable plan with lists, charts, and diagrams. They explain clearly, why each suggested action is critical and make it simple for the reader to take instant steps. During the course of reading, the book convincingly displays that small variations can help readers find more delight and single-mindedness in their lives. The value of giving, positive attitude and constantly improving yourself are the attributes mentioned in the book

If your hands are, busy with mind being calm and not vice-versa that means you are surely on your way towards ikigai. I would recommend this book to everyone out there for a clear self-reflection and personal well-being. If you want to stay young while growing old then surely this book is for you.