Principles of long and happy life from centenarians
How to be friends with your thoughts and emotions
Table of content
Summary of Ikigai
About the author
What is Ikigai about?
Who should read Ikigai
Topics in Ikigai
first key point
You will have a long and happy life if you find and live in your ikigai
Listen the first key point
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Ikigai is a concept of Japanese origin that basically means finding happiness in being busy. It offers an explanation for why some of the oldest people on earth are in Okinawa, Japan. Although other factors like their climate and diet also contribute.
Ikigai is derived from two Japanese words: iki, meaning life or alive, and kai, meaning an effect, a fruit, or a result.
The authors studied the lifestyle of residents of Ogimi village in Okinawa, Japan, and realized something unique about them. They generally live longer than most people, they make teamwork a priority, and their activities revolve around the concept of ikigai. As it turns out, learning and practicing the same thing that these residents know will enable you to live long and happy just like them. And this summary is about exposing you to the ikigai concept and tearing it down in ways that you can comprehend and start implementing right away.
Let's begin with a good definition. Your ikigai refers to a union of the things you love, what the world needs in your generation, the things you're paid to do, and what you're good at.
The goal is to find a sweet spot between all four components because ikigai is all about helping you live a balanced life. And this brings us to why there is no word in Japanese that means “retire:” When you find your ikigai, you won't want to stop working until you die, or your body gets too weak to work. Why? Because you love the work, and your motivation is not something external.
There are five zones in the world where people live the longest. These are called the “Blue Zones.” Okinawa ranks top on the list of Blue Zones in the world. Other regions include Italy's Sardinia, California's Loma Linda, Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, and Ikaria in Greece.
The secret of the exceptional life in the Blue Zones is healthy eating, exercise, meditation, and finding and pursuing a life purpose. We will further unravel these as the summary progresses.
Did you know? For every 100,000 people in Okinawa, Japan, almost 25 are centenarians.
second key point
You will slow down aging if you keep an active mind and minimize your stress level
There are different theories when it comes to aging. Some scientists believe that technology makes it possible to reach aging's escape velocity. At this point, we add one more year of life expectancy for every year we live on earth, leading us to biological immortality. Another group of scientists assumes there is an age limit we can't exceed. Some of them have concluded this age limit is 120 years since cell regeneration stops at that age. All these theories are still being researched, so there's no viable conclusion yet. However, Blue Zone residents have proven that you can preserve your body by tending to your mind and thus, live more decades. An active and adaptable mind generally helps people live longer.
If you want to have greater control over your thoughts and be more present, learn to practice mindfulness
fourth key point
When you know why you do something, you will be able to learn how to do it effectively
fifth key point
You don’t get tired doing what you love, and time stops while you’re at it
sixth key point
We can learn valuable lessons on long and healthy living from supercentenarians
seventh key point
The Okinawa diet is rich in antioxidants, and the residents make regular body movements a priority
eighth key point
Learn how to bounce back and benefit from adversity to overcome the aging effects of stress and worry
ninth key point
Conclusion
About the author
Héctor García moved to Japan after earning his Master of Science in software engineering and working for CERN in Switzerland. Francesc Miralles Contijoch is a Spanish writer, essayist, translator, and musician.
"Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" explores the concept of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that focuses on finding purpose and meaning in life. Through interviews with the residents of the Japanese village with the highest life expectancy, the authors uncover the secrets to living a fulfilling and joyful life. This book offers practical advice and insights on how to discover one's own ikigai and incorporate it into daily life for increased happiness and longevity.
Who should read Ikigai
Individuals seeking to discover the key to a fulfilling and joyful life.
Those interested in exploring the wisdom of Japanese culture.
People looking for practical advice on finding purpose and happiness.
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Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.
Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.