Description
A lot of people on the subtropical island of Okinawa live to be over 100 years old and are in good health and spirits. Francesc Miralles and Héctor García go to these longevity hotspots in Ikigai to find out what makes people live so long and how anyone can do the same things wherever.
Ikigai, which means “that which makes one’s life worth living” in Japanese, is at the heart of it all. Ikigai is the point where four important things come together: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get compensated for. You stop feeling like work is a chore, your relationships get stronger, and you wake up every morning excited instead of feeling like you have to do something.
Miralles and García start by immersing readers in Okinawa’s unique social structure, which is based on the Moai, groups of friends who have been together for life and meet regularly to eat, laugh, and help each other through tough times. These groups are more than just casual club memberships; they are emotional safety nets that help people deal with stress and hold one other accountable. Researchers have found that having strong social networks can lower the risk of chronic disease and depression. The authors offer ways to create your own modern-day moai, such as through neighborhood meetings, reading clubs, or virtual meet-ups, that can help you get through the ups and downs of life.
The writers then look into the power of daily habits. These daily habits, like thoughtfully sipping matcha or gently stretching before daybreak, help the body and mind stay in the present. They talk about hara hachi bu, the Okinawan habit of eating until you are 80% full, to show how eating a moderate amount of calories can help cells repair themselves and save you from getting sick as you become older. Taking care of a little garden, learning calligraphy, or going for slow, barefoot walks can also help you get into a flow state, calm your mind, and feel thankful.
Miralles and García use the latest research on flow psychology, resilience, and neuroplasticity to explain how activities that have a purpose can boost dopamine pathways that support healthy habits. Interviews with people who are 100 years old or older show that they all have a strong sense of purpose that drives their daily activities and gives their lives meaning. This purpose could be teaching, crafts, or taking care of family. Readers learn useful exercises to help them find their own ikigai, such as reflective journaling prompts, values-alignment inventories, and step-by-step guidance to trying out new interests without worrying about failing.
The book also talks about wabi-sabi, a Japanese art that finds beauty in things that are not flawless and don’t last. Wabi-sabi helps readers stop being perfectionists, which lowers their stress levels and makes room for creativity and real connections. The scientists suggest that people practice thankfulness, such thinking about three modest successes at the end of the day, to help their brains notice the simple joys of life.
Miralles and García give readers a concrete Ikigai Plan in the last chapters. This plan is a customized guide for how to fit these ideas into hectic lives. The key is to start small and build up speed. For example, you may wake up five minutes earlier to meditate, join a walking group in your area, or set aside “creation time” each week. These small changes add up over time to make big differences in health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.
Ikigai is a motivating handbook for everyone who wants to find greater joy, energy, and a deeper feeling of purpose. It combines travel writing, cultural anthropology, and behavioral research. Readers all over the world can learn how to live longer, richer, and more meaningful lives by studying Okinawa’s centenarians.
About the Authors
Francesc Miralles is a Spanish author and mental health advocate whose work focuses on personal transformation and cross-cultural wisdom. He has written over thirty books, including Love in Lowercase and The Book of Emotions. Héctor García (Kirai) is a Spanish software engineer and blogger who spent over a decade living in Tokyo. His blog, kirainet.com, offers insights into Japanese culture, mindfulness, and design. Together, they bring a blend of storytelling and research to illuminate the path to ikigai.
Product Details
- Title: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- Authors: Francesc Miralles and Héctor García
- ISBN-13: 9780143130727
- Publisher: Penguin Life
- Published: June 30, 2017
- Pages: 208
- Binding: Paperpack
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