Description
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles takes you on an amazing journey to the heart of Okinawa’s Blue Zones, which are known for having many people who live to be 100 years old. The writers show how the Japanese idea of ikigai, which means “reason for being,” may help people live with passion, balance, and happiness through personal interviews, cultural stories, and scientific study.
The book begins with ikigai’s four main parts: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and how much money you can make. García and Miralles use personal tales of Okinawan elders who say that basic everyday activities like gardening, calligraphy, and communal meals have helped them live longer and stay healthy. You’ll learn how modest, deliberate habits like moving mindfully, eating slowly, and keeping strong social networks may have big effects on your health over time.
Ikigai uses research from psychology, gerontology, and positive science to give you useful tasks to help you find your life’s meaning. You’ll be shown how to do mild physical activities like tai chi-inspired stretches, reflective journaling prompts, and ways to develop community that will make you feel more like you belong. The writers stress that ikigai is not a mysterious secret but a state that may be reached by making sure that your daily activities match your fundamental beliefs.
Along the way, you’ll discover:
- How gratitude rituals—no matter how brief—can rewire your brain for optimism
- Why staying curious and learning new things all the time keeps your mind sharp
- The important role that food, sleep, and being outside play in keeping energy up
- Ways to deal with modern stressors while keeping your cool and focus
Ikigai gives you a clear, step-by-step plan for how to find your purpose in life, whether you’re a busy professional looking for more work-life balance, a recent graduate looking for direction, or just someone who wants to live a more meaningful life. García and Miralles’ kind words and practical advice make this book more than just something to read; it’s also something to use every day. By the end of the journey, you’ll have the tools to craft rituals that nourish your mind, body, and spirit—and to wake up each morning driven by a renewed sense of purpose.
About the Author
Héctor García is a Spanish software engineer and writer who lived in Tokyo for more than ten years, where he learned a lot about Japanese culture and philosophy. Francesc Miralles is a bestselling German author and psychologist known for translating complex ideas into accessible, actionable guidance. Together, they fuse research, personal narratives, and practical exercises to illuminate the path to ikigai.
Product Details
- Title: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- Author: Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
- ISBN-13: 9781786330895
- Publisher: Penguin Life
- Published: October 2017
- Pages: 176
Binding: Paperback
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