Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to a reason for being and encompassing one's purpose in life, a compelling reason to embrace each new day. It represents the intersection of four elements which are (1) what you love, (2) what you are good at, (3) what the world needs and (4) what you can be paid for.
This book investigates the extraordinary lifestyle of residents on Okinawa Island, Japan, home to the world's highest concentration of centenarians. The Okinawans attribute their longevity and fulfilling lives to Ikigai, the Japanese concept of having a reason to get up each morning or the thing that gives one a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Major takeaways to discover our ikigai and pursue it:
Which roughly mean fill your belly to 80 percent. This common saying is repeated by Okinawans before or after eating as to stop eating until they are full. The idea is to still a little bit hungry when you finish. An alternative to this is to fasting two days each week (5:2 diet) which also recommended by Islamic teaching.
2. Moai
A moai is an informal group of people with common interests and they form close bonds within local communities. What more important, accounting has controlled the Okinawa bonds as each of the member of a moai make a set monthly contribution to the group. The funds collected are used for their common activities, any surplus of the fund will be hand over to the members on the rotating basis. In this way, a moai acting as a medium to maintain emotional and financial stability. While accounting practices may differ between moai groups and depend on their economic resources, the strong sense of support and belonging within these communities provides individuals with security and may contribute to a longer life expectancy.
3. Mens sans in corpore sano
It is a Latin expression which mean a sound mind in a sound body, highlighting the importance of both mental and physical. Physical well-being encompasses more than just the absence of illness, it encompasses vitality, strength, and the ability to engage in life's activities with vigor and enthusiasm. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest are fundamental components of maintaining a sound body.
4. Wabi-sabi
A Japanese belief that there is beauty in imperfection and that reality is better than fantasy. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a resilient mindset and embracing imperfections. This concept encourages us to appreciate the transient and imperfect nature of life and find beauty in its imperfections.
