Definition and Meaning
Ikigai (生き甲斐): A Japanese concept combining “life” (生き) and “to be worthwhile” (甲斐).
Rough Translation: “The happiness of always being busy,” interpreted as living a full and meaningful life rather than just a busy one.
Key Points on Ikigai
Passion and Talent: It’s about finding a unique talent or passion that gives meaning to your life and drives you to share your best self.
Discovery: If you haven’t found your ikigai, the mission is to discover it, as Viktor Frankl emphasizes.
Connection to Meaning: Feeling connected to what is meaningful helps us live fully; losing this connection leads to despair.
Personal Search: Finding ikigai requires a patient search, and according to Okinawans, it’s the reason they get up in the morning.
Daily Pursuit: Nurturing your ikigai daily brings meaning to life.
Relaxed Purpose: People with ikigai have a purpose but approach it with relaxation and enjoyment.
Passion Persistence: Those with a clear ikigai pursue their passion regardless of obstacles.
The 10 Rules of Ikigai
1. Stay Active: Don’t retire.
2. Take It Slow: Enjoy the moment.
3. Eat Light: Don’t fill your stomach.
4. Good Friends: Surround yourself with them.
5. Fitness: Stay in shape for your next birthday.
6. Smile: Maintain a positive attitude.
7. Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outdoors.
8. Give Thanks: Practice gratitude.
9. Live in the Moment: Be present.
10. Follow Your Ikigai: Pursue what you love.
Stress and Existential Crisis
Premature Aging: Often linked to stress.
Existential Crisis: Common in modern societies where people follow expectations rather than their desires, filling the gap with materialism or sensory pleasures.
Purpose Loss: Abandoning what you love leads to a loss of purpose; hence, continuing meaningful activities is vital.
Morita Therapy
Acceptance of Emotions: Focuses on accepting emotions without controlling them, as actions will change feelings.
Personal Mission: Finding ikigai aligns with this therapeutic approach.
Flow and Happiness
Flow State: Happiness comes from spending time in a state of flow.
Focus: Concentrate on one task at a time to achieve flow.
Routine Tasks: Turn them into moments of microflow for daily happiness.
Art and Ikigai: Artists who continue their craft embody ikigai, turning routine into creative flow.
Ogimi, Okinawa
Timeless Living: The community lives in an endless present.
Lifelong Activity: Many never retire, continuing what they love as long as health allows.
Nature and Technology: Japanese seamlessly integrate both.
Community Spirit: Ichariba chode – treat everyone like family.
Celebrations: An essential part of life.
Slow Living
Quality Over Urgency: Taking things slowly enhances life’s meaning.
Balanced Activity: Busy with important yet relaxing tasks.
Secrets to Longevity
Interviews with Centenarians:
Relaxation and Optimism: Key to longevity.
Nurture Friendships: Vital for a long, happy life.
Stay Active: Keep both mind and body busy.
Diet and Lifestyle:
Vegetable Gardens: A common practice among centenarians.
Varied Diet: Eating a variety of foods daily.
Moderate Caloric Intake: Common among Blue Zones.
Tea Consumption: Regular drinking of Sanpin-cha and white tea.
Article By: Author Ayush Agrawal
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Very beautiful article, summarises everything in a book.