Introduction
Ikigai written by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, is a book based on the concepts of lifestyle and the purpose of life. Originally published in Spanish in 2016, it was later released in the United States and the United Kingdom the same year. “Ikigai” contains nine chapters, featuring interviews with many Japanese centenarians. These chapters explain how in Okinawa, a region of Japan, inhabitants live longer than in any other place in the world. In this review, we will explore the content of the book “Ikigai”
Héctor García was born in Spain but is a citizen of Japan, where he has lived for over a decade. He has written many books on Japanese culture. He was a software engineer. Francesc Miralles has also written many books, such as Love in a small letter and Wabi-Sabi.
Key points of the book
- Ikigai reveals that everyone is born with a life purpose. We must all understand our reason for being. Héctor García and Francesc Miralles visited Okinawa, Japan, where people live longer than anywhere else. Their book explores the reasons behind this longevity.
- This book has nine chapters. It provides methods to keep your mind active, reduce stress, and promote antiaging attitudes. It explains that not all stress is bad; a little stress is beneficial for us..
- Seven ways though which we can have more active life style are
- Walk to work or just go on a walk for at least 20 min.
- Use your fee instead of an elevator or escalator
- Participate in social or leisure activities to reduce television or mobile screen time
- Replace your junk food with fruit
- Get the right amount of sleep (7 to 9 hours)
- Play with children or pets or join a sports team.
- Be conscious of your daily routine
- The Ikigai book references Dr. Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy from Man’s Search For Meaning helping us find our life’s purpose. Fight for yourself and avoid feeling empty inside. The book explains how to overcome these challenges.
- There is no future or past, only the present. Engage in tasks that are challenging but not overwhelming. Easy tasks lead to boredom, challenging tasks create flow, and tasks beyond your abilities cause anxiety.
- Traditions and proverbs for happiness and longevity is very well explained in the chapter 6; Lessons from Japan’s Centenarians
- What the world’s longest-living people eat and drink is explained in Chapter 7; The Ikigai Diet. Eat and drink healthy food/drinks to have a long and healthy life
- Exercise is a crucial part of an individual’s life. Daily exercise promotes a healthy and longer life. Chapter 8 explains various exercises that promote health and longevity.
- Chapter 9 is the most relevant chapter for the current era. Titled Resilience and Wabi-Sabi; this chapter helps us understand how to face life’s challenges without letting stress and worry age us.
- To conclude the book if you want to live longer, healthy and happy, you must have purpose of the life and must fowllow below points
- Don’t worry
- Cultivate good habits
- Nurture your friendships every day
- Live an unhurried life
- Be optimistic
Conclusion
This outstanding book on life is a must-read for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Each person is born with a purpose, though many never discover it. The Ikigai circle will help you find your Ikigai. You can buy this book on amazon .
Other Books Review
- Think and Grow Rich – by Napoleon Hill
- Rich Dad Poor Dad – by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Let’s Talk Money – by Monika Halan
- The Psychology of Money – by Morgan Housel
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely my own after reading the book. It is not intended to offend anyone. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This article is neither sponsored nor endorsing anyone. The link mentioned here is an affiliate link. If you’re interested in reading this book along with me, buying it through the affiliate link is a great way to support me!
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