Ikigai is a concept that has its origins in Japan and means “the reason we wake up in the morning.” For many years, the Japanese have used their Ikigai to find the purpose of their lives – a reason to wake up every day and the ultimate goal they must achieve in their lives. The concept explains that everyone has their own ikigai and gives each person a reason to live, a final goal to achieve fulfillment, and final satisfaction from within. This complete happiness and feeling of inner peace are Ikigai.
It is said that the longest-lived people live in Okinawa, one of the so-called blue zones. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, there are over 400 people over the age of 100 on the island of Okinawa. In fact, the average age of women in Japan is 96 years, and for men, it is 84 years, which is higher than in any other country in the world.
The importance of Ikigai
Scientists and sociologists around the world have taken a close look at this concept and found that this Ikigai concept can make you live longer, and give you complete life satisfaction.
Finding their own Ikigai can help many people lead a more fulfilling, happier, and easier life. When you know your ultimate reason for living, it is much easier to use your time and actions for a meaningful purpose. Ikigai can also help you plan your life accordingly and lead you to that inner peace we so long for.
How to find your Ikigai?
Try to observe your current life and, if you feel insecure, unhappy then try to make some changes in your life. It can be a new hobby, a new friend, or even a new job.
As Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles say in their book Ikigai, to find our own Ikigai, we must follow the ten basic rules:
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Always be active and never retire
As long as you have a purpose in life, your body will continue to function. Retirement is not an age, it is a mentality.
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Look at things calmly
Remember that life is not a race. Have patience and learn to do things in small steps.
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Don’t eat more than you need
Do not fill your stomach to the brim. Always eat 20% less than your body requires. Remember: Less is more.
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Surround yourself with good friends
Not only do they brighten your life, but they also give you a shoulder to lean on when needed, so instead of sitting alone, it’s better to meet old friends and even make new ones.
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Get in shape for your next birthday
Your body is like a car that needs daily maintenance. So, exercise as often as possible, especially since exercise releases serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone.
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Smile
Enjoy everything around you. Appreciate everything you see and especially smile sincerely as often as you can. Because this way you will send good vibrations to your receiver, but also to your own brain.
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Reconnect to nature
You can go for a walk in the park, in the mountains or anything else that allows you to enjoy nature.
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Be grateful
Say thank you as often as you can, For the air you breathe, for the family, for the food you eat, or anything else that brightens your day and makes you happy.
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Live the moment
We are in such a hurry all the time, to do as many things as possible, without even stopping for a moment from our agitation and to enjoy, to admire, to breathe. Don’t forget that life is short, live it to the fullest.
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Follow your Ikigai
By following the 9 steps above, you will find the unique talent inside you that no one else has.
Ikigai is not a task, it is anything and everything that gives you satisfaction and pleasure.
And once you find it, follow it and practice it daily.