Ikigai Book Review 27 📚

Next up in my journey is “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. Let’s discover the secret to lifelong happiness and purpose!🙌

.

✅ Big idea of the book:

“Ikigai” reveals the Japanese concept of finding one’s reason for being. It’s about discovering that sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect, leading to happiness, fulfillment, and longevity.

.

✅ 10 Big takeaways from the book:

1) The people of Okinawa, Japan, where the concept of ikigai originated, live long and healthy lives due to their strong sense of purpose and community.
.
2) Five pillars make up ikigai: (1) doing what you love, (2) doing what you’re good at, (3) doing what the world needs, (4) doing what you can be paid for, and (5) doing what you find meaningful.
.

3) Cultivating a “flow” state, where you’re fully absorbed in an activity, can help you find your ikigai.
.

4) Finding your Ikigai is key to a long and joyful life. Engage in activities you love can enhance your well-being.
.

5) A sense of purpose in daily tasks can contribute to your overall happiness.
.

6) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, supports longevity. Staying active and avoiding overexertion is a key to health.
.

7) Embracing a positive attitude towards aging can improve quality of life. 😎
.

8) Continuous learning and curiosity keep the mind active and engaged.
.

9) Cultivating strong community ties is essential for a fulfilled life.
.

10) Living simpler and enjoying the small things contribute to a serene existence.
.

.

✅ Here are 3 more tips I’ve learned from the book:

1) Reflect on what makes you feel alive and pursue it with intention.

2) Balance your professional and personal life to nurture your Ikigai.

3) Take time to connect with nature and practice gratitude for life’s simple pleasures.

.

“Ikigai” offers a refreshing perspective on living a purpose-driven and balanced life. It’s a gentle reminder that happiness is often found in the journey, not the destination. 😍

.

✅ Other notes

1. Finding Your Sweet Spot: Imagine life as a Venn diagram where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for meet. Ikigai is that magical center spot, and this book is your treasure map.
   
   
2. The Zen of Everyday Activities: Picture transforming mundane tasks like brewing tea or walking to the mailbox into moments of Zen-like bliss. “Ikigai” turns daily drudgery into a mini-vacation for your soul.
   
   
3. The Anti-Retirement Plan: Who says you have to stop working to enjoy life? “Ikigai” flips the script on retirement. Keep doing what you love, and age becomes just a number—perhaps the secret to eternal youth.
   
   
4. The Diet of Not Really Dieting: Ever heard of eating like you’re immortal? The Ikigai way involves savoring food that’s as good for your body as it is for your lifespan. It’s less about restriction, more about enjoying life’s flavors.
   
   
5. Community: Your Lifeline: Imagine a world where everyone’s got your back. “Ikigai” emphasizes the power of community for a long, happy life. It’s like having a cheerleading squad made up of your neighbors, friends, and that nice old lady from the grocery store.
   
   
6. Moving Like You Mean It: Forget soul-crushing workouts; Ikigai champions gentle movement—think tai chi in the park, walking, or gardening. It’s about moving in ways that make your body say, “Thank you, I needed that!”
   
   
7. Stress Less, Live More: In the realm of Ikigai, stress is that uninvited guest at your life’s party. Learn the art of politely showing stress the door before it eats all your happiness snacks.
   
   
8. Purposeful Living, Day by Day: Instead of chasing grand, elusive goals, Ikigai is about finding joy in the journey, making every day a purpose-filled adventure. It’s like being the hero in the quest of your own life.
   
   
9. Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat: It made it live longer and happier! “Ikigai” encourages a lifelong curiosity, turning the world into your classroom and every day into an opportunity to learn something new.
   
   
10. The Happiness of Small Things: In a world obsessed with the big and flashy, “Ikigai” reminds us of the joy in life’s little pleasures—a warm cup of tea, a sunny spot by the window, a good book (like this one!).
    

.

Diving into “Ikigai” is like discovering that the secret to a long and happy life has been hiding in plain sight, woven into the fabric of everyday living. It’s not just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding life to your years, making every moment count with a sense of purpose, community, and joy. So, grab your metaphorical gardening tools and start cultivating your Ikigai; who knows what kind of happiness you’ll grow?

.

Gene Adam