Book Title:
"IKIGAI -
The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"
Book Authors: Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
Translated by: Heather Cleary
About the Authors:
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles are the coauthors of this book.
They also coauthored “The Book of Ichigo Ichie:
The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way".
Introduction:
While researching this book, the writers visited and interviewed members of the Japanese community with the highest percentage of 100-year-old citizens. This is a village where all the elderly inhabitants live together as a community that encourages collaboration.
Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, walk, work, and find the Ikigai that fulfills their existence (from the book's preface).
Interpretation:
IKIGAI means "finding your life's purpose."
So, what is your life purpose? What is your Ikigai?
Do you have to continue to work if you are stressed out with your job?
Do you have to stay until you retire? It depends on your perspective and situation.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." -Confucius
- A simple task like dishwashing can occasionally serve a meaningful function in life...
- Reading books to relieve your stress can also be a worthwhile activity...
- Gardening or taking care of plants in your mini garden to make you relax...
- Learning a new skill from online courses to help develop yourself...
- Discover a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing, like making video reels.
According to a Japanese proverb,
"Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years."
Book Application:
In the Epilogue of the book,
"Modern life estranges us more and more from our true nature, making it very easy for us to lead lives lacking in meaning." (page 183)
This is true with modern technology; we sometimes get distracted by our phones from fulfilling our goals and becoming productive in our careers and lives. Learn to balance and have a schedule to limit our screen time. Be more active, walk or jog, do simple exercises to start your day, and improve your health. Indeed, "Health is wealth."
I particularly love this conclusion from page 183 of the book,
"Life is not a problem to be solved. Just remember to have something that keeps you busy doing what you love while being surrounded by the people who love you."
Recommendations:
I want to thank Angie, my thoughtful niece, who gave me this book last December 2022. It was fate because reading the book helped me to understand that we all have a purpose in our lives.
The first half of my story may have ended at my first and only job, but there is another journey ahead of me to fulfill my dream of becoming a writer.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old, because it can be applied in everyday life.
"Why do you get up in the morning?" asks the coffee commercial.
"What is the purpose of your life?"
Rating: ***** 5 Stars
My next book review blog,
"He Can Catch You When You Fall," by Miriam Quiambao,
took a long time to finish, but it's worth the wait. Hope you can also read the book.
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