Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Héctor García, Francesc Miralles, Heather Cleary

3.75(81647 readers)
Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally bestselling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy)—the happiness of always being busy—as revealed by the daily habits of the world’s longest-living people.

What’s your ikigai?

“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.” —Japanese proverb

According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai—a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. Having a strong sense of ikigai—the place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—means that each day is infused with meaning. It’s the reason we get up in the morning. It’s also the reason many Japanese never really retire (in fact there’s no word in Japanese that means retire in the sense it does in English): They remain active and work at what they enjoy, because they’ve found a real purpose in life—the happiness of always being busy.

In researching this book, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds—one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and—their best-kept secret—how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. And it provides practical tools to help you discover your own ikigai. Because who doesn’t want to find happiness in every day?

Publisher

Penguin Books

Publication Date

8/29/2017

ISBN

9780143130727

Pages

208

Categories

Life & Leisure

About the Author

Héctor García

Héctor García

I'm the author of several Japanese culture books: The Magic of Japan, Ikigai the Japanese Secret for a Long and Happy Life, The Book of Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, The Ikigai Journey and A Geek in Japan.

I LOVE reading and writing.

Autor de los libros sobre cultura japonesa: La Magia de Japón, Ikigai, Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, Un Geek en Japón.

http://amazon.com/author/hectorgarcia

Questions & Answers

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to "the happiness of always being busy" or "finding one's reason for being." It represents the intersection of what one loves to do, what one is good at, what one can be paid for, and what the world needs. This sense of purpose contributes to longevity and happiness in several ways:

  1. Purpose and Meaning: Ikigai provides individuals with a sense of direction and fulfillment, which is crucial for mental well-being and longevity.
  2. Active Lifestyle: Those with a clear ikigai often remain active, even after retirement, which is beneficial for physical health.
  3. Community and Social Connections: Ikigai often involves community engagement, fostering social connections and support, which are linked to longer life and happiness.
  4. Stress Reduction: Engaging in activities aligned with ikigai can reduce stress, which is a significant factor in aging and health.
  5. Healthy Habits: The pursuit of ikigai can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, further enhancing longevity.

In essence, ikigai is a powerful tool for creating a meaningful life, which in turn promotes both longevity and happiness.

To discover your Ikigai and apply it to daily life, follow these steps:

  1. Reflect on Your Passions: Consider what activities you enjoy and feel fulfilled by. These could be hobbies, work, or helping others.
  2. Identify Your Values: What is important to you? This could be family, community, or personal growth.
  3. Assess Your Skills: What are you good at? Aligning your Ikigai with your skills can increase your satisfaction.
  4. Seek Feedback: Ask friends and family what they think you are good at and what you enjoy doing.
  5. Experiment: Try new activities and hobbies to discover what resonates with you.
  6. Integrate Ikigai into Daily Life: Incorporate your Ikigai into your daily routine, whether it's through work, hobbies, or social interactions.
  7. Maintain Balance: Ensure your Ikigai doesn't consume all aspects of your life. Balance is key to a fulfilling life.
  8. Embrace Challenges: Use obstacles as opportunities to grow and refine your Ikigai.
  9. Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to adjust your Ikigai as you grow and change.
  10. Share Your Ikigai: Engaging with others who share your interests can enhance your experience and provide support.

The key factors contributing to longevity in Blue Zones, such as Okinawa, are diet, exercise, purpose (Ikigai), and social connections. These factors are interconnected and relate to Ikigai in the following ways:

  1. Diet: Blue Zones inhabitants consume diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish, with moderate calorie intake and limited meat and processed foods. This aligns with the Japanese concept of "Hara hachi bu," eating until 80% full, which promotes longevity.

  2. Exercise: Regular, low-intensity movement like walking and gardening is common in Blue Zones, promoting physical health. This movement is consistent with the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which emphasizes staying active and engaged in life.

  3. Purpose (Ikigai): Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life is a central aspect of Ikigai. Blue Zones residents often have strong community ties and a sense of belonging, which contributes to their happiness and longevity.

  4. Social Connections: Strong social networks, like the Japanese "moai," provide emotional and financial support, reducing stress and promoting longevity. This is a direct reflection of Ikigai, which emphasizes the importance of community and relationships.

In summary, the longevity in Blue Zones is achieved through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, a strong sense of purpose, and social connections, all of which are deeply rooted in the concept of Ikigai.

Japanese centenarians maintain their health and happiness through a combination of lifestyle factors and a strong sense of purpose, known as "ikigai." They follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish, adhering to the "Hara hachi bu" principle of eating until 80% full. They engage in regular, moderate exercise, such as gardening and tai chi, and maintain a strong sense of community and social connections, often participating in groups called "moai." They prioritize relaxation and mindfulness, practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation and maintaining a positive outlook. Their longevity can be attributed to their active lifestyle, balanced diet, social connections, and a clear sense of purpose. We can learn from them by focusing on a healthy diet, regular exercise, social engagement, stress management, and finding our own ikigai to give our lives meaning and purpose.

Resilience and the concept of wabi-sabi are crucial in achieving a long and happy life. Resilience allows individuals to face life's challenges with a positive outlook and adaptability, focusing on what they can control and not being overwhelmed by setbacks. This emotional strength is enhanced by practices like Buddhism and Stoicism, which teach controlling negative emotions and embracing the present moment.

Wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy, appreciates the beauty in imperfection and impermanence, encouraging a serene acceptance of life's transient nature. This perspective helps individuals find joy in the present and appreciate the fleeting moments of life, reducing stress and worry. Together, resilience and wabi-sabi promote a balanced, contented life, fostering longevity and happiness.

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