First published: April 8, 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
What are the simple secrets to a long and happy life? It’s one of basic questions that has been asked by many throughout history, and yet the answer seems elusive. However, in their book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,” authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles suggest that the answer may lie in the concept of ikigai.
Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to “a reason for being.” It’s the intersection of four key elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. According to the authors, finding your ikigai can lead to a fulfilling and finding a meaning of life.
Drawing on interviews with residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa, known for its high concentration of centenarians, as well as research on the science of happiness, García and Miralles explore how discovering and living your ikigai can lead to a longer, happier, and more purposeful life. In this bestselling self-help summary, we’ll take a closer look at the key insights and takeaways from “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.”
Here are three main key takeaways we can learn from this book:
1. A sense of purpose is essential for longevity and contentment.
2. Take the counsel of some of the world’s oldest individuals if you wish to have a long life.
3. Keep in mind to get enough exercise to be healthy throughout your life.
Now, let’s get into the details of these points!
A Sense of Purpose is Essential for Longevity and Contentment
Okinawa, is a place to a number of the world’s oldest people. The key to their success is ikigai. The Japanese term consists of two characters: ‘iki,’ which signifies life, and ‘gai,’ which implies value. Addressing these four simple things will help you identify your ikigai:
- What are your strong points?
- What does the world demand?
- What are your interests?
- What can you do for a living?
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
It might take some time to uncover your ikigai. But nevertheless, once you discover it, you may learn that you’re never going to or need to retire.
Your motivation might be from a passion or your familial ties. Do whatever it is that gets you out of bed in the morning, and yet never give up on it.
According to research, Okinawan centenarians had much lower incidences of dementia and heart disease in consequence of their motivation and level of activity.
Take the Counsel of Some of the World’s Oldest Individuals
When it comes to seeking advice on living a long and happy life, who better to turn to than those who have already achieved it? These individuals have seen and experienced a lot in their lifetime, and as a result, have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that can benefit us all.
Okinawan elderly advise to worry for as little possible. Take it easy, no rush, and remember that you don’t have to have everything worked out right immediately.
Instead of worrying about what may go wrong, focus on appreciating life for what it has to offer. Connecting with all those around you, including strangers, is a terrific method to achieve this.
Old-timers in Okinawa advise smiling and being friendly to everyone you encounter. Your kindness will help you make numerous friends throughout your life. Elders on Okinawa advise keeping those bonds as well.
Japanese seniors also advocate eating properly, getting up early, and getting adequate exercise throughout the day.
Get Enough Exercise to be Healthy Throughout Your Life
Staying physically active is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout your life. The benefits of regular physical activity are too significant to ignore. From reducing the risk of chronic diseases to improving mental health, exercise has a multitude of positive effects on the body and mind.
Okinawans believe that you don’t necessarily have to participate in sports or sprint to have a healthy life. Finding easy, regular strategies to walk more throughout the day is more important for longevity and health.
Photo by sk on Unsplash
Since intensity discourages constancy, Okinawans seek for minimalism in their exercise routines. For examples, a walk around the street, spending the day in the garden, or doing karaoke are just a few of the easy ways they keep moving.
Make some time in your day for little, regular amounts of activity to make it as a daily routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” offers valuable insights into the concept of ikigai and how it can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life. By focusing on what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for, we can find our own reason for being and lead a more purposeful and happier life.
Whether it’s through pursuing a hobby or finding a new career, discovering our ikigai can help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. By incorporating the principles of ikigai into our everyday lives, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning that will guide us towards a simple recipe for happiness and more satisfying existence.
“Our ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning.”
― Héctor García Puigcerver
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