Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long & Happy Life - A Book Review

Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

-by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

The tiny blue book lying in the long shelf of the bestsellers turned out to be the best books I have read till date. The name sounds peculiar and intriguing but its message is simple and genuine.

What is Ikigai ?

Ikigai = Purpose of Life, Your reason for existence

Ikigai falls somewhere in between our passion, mission, vocation and profession. Did it sound a bit complicated? Here is something to help you out…

The book begins with an island Okinawa where there are around 24.5 over the age of 100 for 100,000 inhabitants – way more than the global average.

It is all about the “art of being busy.” The Authors mention ten rules in the book in order to live a long and peaceful life.

10 Simple Rules of Ikigai

1.)Stay active,don’t retire

2.)Take it slow

3.)Don’t fill your 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

Key features of the book:

Little bit of Stress is good for you ….?

Authors clearly mention that stress is harmful to human beings but they do state that little bit of stress can keep you going. It will help you stay fit and active in your life.

Uncover the meaning of life

Life and its secrets are countless but finding a semblance to it is important. Life can mean different things to different people but it should mean something. Pursuing that meaning is important.

Find your Flow

If you find your purpose in life, you are well acquainted with your ikigai then you should just go for it. Do not run or shy away just go for it. Authors talk about a few techniques that could help you find your flow.

Diet & Movements

A healthy, happy, long life is not possible without following a proper routine that comprises of both diet and exercise. The book mentions okinawa’s miracle diet and other diet practices to keep you active all day. Yoga, Radio Taiso, Tai chi, Sun Salutation ( Surya Namaskara) and Qigong have been mentioned as the exercises/practices to go along with the ikigai diet.

Resilience and Wabi-Sabi

Resilience is our ability to deal with setbacks. A little restraint is necessary to grow in life as it helps us in correcting our mistakes and brings out a better chance at decision making in life. Wabi- Sabi a simple Japanese concept that vouches for acceptance of imperfection and flaws. There are flaws in the nature but even with the flaws, nature is our portal for inspiration.

Conclusion

It’s a quick and easy book to read,full of life lessons. This book is the chicken soup to your soul. Readers do give it a shot! 



 - Meenakshi Sinha 
     (Avid Reader)