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Ikigai Summary: How to Live a Life You Love
The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
IKIGAI is the art of living that Japanese people follow and it is a combination of two words which are Life and find the purpose. With the help of IKIGAI one can find the purpose of life and can live a happy life.
In this article, we will summarize the book to understand the IKIGAI and how to find the purpose of life. It’s more like an explanation of IKIGAI and how to find the purpose of life. The book is written by Hector Garcia and the buy link is given below.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- What is IKIGAI?
- Source of Ikigai
- 10 Rules of Ikigai
- Where to Buy
- Amazon Associates Disclaimer
What is IKIGAI?
What you love: What you love is your passion. It is something that you enjoy doing and that bring you joy and happiness.
What you are good at: What you are good at is your talent. It is something that you are naturally good at and that you can do well.
What the world needs: What the world needs is your mission. It is something that you believe in and that you want to contribute to the world.
What you can be paid for: What you can be paid for is your profession. It is something that you can do to earn a living.
Ikigai is the intersection of what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It is the combination of passion, mission, vocation, and profession and lies at the centre of these four circles and it is a perfect balance of these four things. You can apply these four things to your life to find your ikigai.
Once you understand your ikigai, implement it in your life. A life with purpose a meaning will achieve a happy state of mind.
Source of Ikigai
Okinawa, an island in Japan use the ikigai technique to live long, stay happy and healthy. It’s one of the five blue zones in the world where people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles visited Okinawa to find out the secret of long life and they found that the people of Okinawa follow the ikigai technique to live a long and happy life.
Five Blue Zones in the World
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California
10 Rules of Ikigai
The 10 rules of ikigai are based on the wisdom of the Okinawans, who have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. These rules are simple, but they can have a profound impact on your life. They are as follows:
Stay active; don’t retire
It is interesting to note that in Japanese culture, there is no specific word for retirement. The people there continue to work until the end of their lives because they truly enjoy their work, which brings them happiness and keeps them active. Therefore, everyone needs to discover their own “ikigai” or purpose in life, to live a fulfilling and joyful existence.
Take it slow
Life is a marathon, not a 100-meter sprint. You have to walk slowly to reach the destination while enjoying the journey. Don’t rush to the destination. Enjoy the journey and learn from it.
There is an old saying “Walk slowly and you will go far”. It is true in life as well. When you have to live a quality life, you have to walk the marathon of life.
Don’t fill your stomach
The side dish on our plate and apple pie after lunch may temporarily satisfy our cravings and give us pleasure, but in the long run, it won’t benefit us. We tend to overeat not because of our stomachs but because of our minds.
The 80 percent rule is a straightforward yet efficient method to prevent overeating. In Okinawa, people follow a practice called “Hara hachi bu,” which means “eat until you are 80 percent full.” They stop eating when their stomach is 80 percent full. This practice helps them avoid overeating and stay healthy.
The food is served on small plates, which creates the illusion of a larger quantity. This is one of the reasons why Japanese people tend to be healthier and fitter compared to other countries. They consume fewer calories and opt for healthier food options.
Surround yourself with good friends
Sharing your happiness with friends and family will make them double and sharing your sadness with them will make it half. So it is why it is important to surround yourself with good friends and family. Sharing moments, stories, happiness, and sadness with them will make you feel better and happy.
Get in shape for your next birthday
A sedentary lifestyle can hurt your health, leading to various issues such as weight gain, high blood sugar, and heart complications. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in regular physical activity to keep your body healthy and prevent these health problems from arising.
Smile
A smile is a powerful tool that can have a positive impact on both the person smiling and those around them. By simply turning up the corners of your mouth, you can instantly lift your mood and alleviate stress.
Not only that, but the act of smiling is contagious, meaning that your smile can also brighten the day of others who witness it, filling them with joy and happiness.
Reconnect with nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to have many benefits for physical and mental health. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. Try to spend some time each day outdoors, even if it’s just for a short walk.
Give thanks
Giving thanks is a powerful way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. It can also help you to appreciate the good things in your life and focus on the present moment.
There are many ways to give thanks. You can start by simply saying “thank you” to the people you interact with throughout the day. You can also take some time each day to reflect on all the things you are grateful for.
Another way to give thanks is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. When you are mindful, you can appreciate the simple things in life, such as a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.
Giving thanks is a simple but powerful practice that can have a big impact on your happiness and well-being.
Live in the moment
Living in the present moment is crucial as it is the only tangible reality we have. The past is behind us, and while it may shape our lives, it is beyond our control. The future is yet to come, and while it may be influenced by our actions in the present, it is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is essential to cherish and make the most of the present moment, appreciating the beauty and opportunities that it offers.
Follow your ikigai
Discovering your ikigai is essential for leading a content and fulfilling life. Your ikigai refers to your reason for being, the thing that gives you a sense of purpose and joy. Once you have identified your ikigai, make it the center of your life and let it guide your decisions. Living in alignment with your ikigai can bring you a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness. So, if you haven’t found your ikigai yet, take the time to explore and discover it. Your life will be richer for it.
Where to Buy
Disclaimer: The book summary is not intended to be a replacement for an actual book. It is merely my interpretation of the book. I strongly encourage you to buy the book. The book contains a lot of stories and examples that will help you understand the concepts better.
IKIGAI is available on Amazon India. Get your copy today!
Amazon Associates Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and purchase an item on Amazon, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to make free content. Thank you for the support!
