5 stars for Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.
I have been eyeing this book for quite some time, but I only take action to buy it during a trip to Tokyo that was decided on a whim last November. The fact that "ikigai" is a Japanese concept makes buying this hardcover book in Japan even more memorable and meaningful to me.
I have no doubt that my choice to make this book my first read of the Year will turn out to be a life-changing decision. Even as I finish reading this book, I decide there and then, that this will be my go-to book should I - ever or again - lose sight of my purpose and meaning for living. Yes, this book is that inspirational!
Though the meaning of "ikigai" is explained by the authors in the book, I am still curious so that how a Japanese will exlain it, so I ask my Japanese friend what "ikigai" means. Below is what he says to me.
"Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means ‘a reason for being.’ It is about finding what makes your life meaningful and worth living."
There I have it - short and sweet.
This is a book about people searching for meaning in what they do and how they live. It shares with readers the tools to finding the purpose, meaning and satisfaction of living that will lead to a joyful journey through life. It provides insights from Japanese philosophy on the lasting health of body, mind and spirit. In a nutshell, this book is about discovering our ikigai.
Besides ikigai, this book also introduces two other Japanese concepts: ichi-go ichi-e and wabi-sabi. Again, I consulted the same Japanese friend and below is what was explained to me.
"Ichi-go ichi-e" means once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
"Wabi-sabi" means beauty in simplicity and imperfection.
To explain further, “Wabi-sabi” is a Japanese aesthetic concept that values the beauty found in simplicity and imperfection. For example, it appreciates the quiet elegance of an aged teacup or the tranquility of nature, focusing on understated beauty rather than extravagance or perfection.
To put it simply, I think it is the little things in life that add up to make a big difference in living.
Each of us has our own ikigai. Though it is different for all of us, we are all searching for meaning. When we spend our days feeling connected to what is meaningful to us, we live more fully; when we don't feel the connection, we live with despair.
We can find our ikigai by doing things we enjoy and get away from or change those we dislike. We can let our curiosity lead the way, and keep busy by doing things that fill us with meaning and happiness. It doesn’t need to be a big thing; we might find meaning in helping our friends or in pursuing a hobby such as learning a musical instrument or a new language.
There is no perfect strategy to connecting with our ikigai. We just need to remember to have something that keeps us busy doing what we love while being surrounded by the people who care for us.
This book concludes by sharing with readers "The ten rules of ikigai" that the authors learn from the long-living residents of Okinawa, Ogimi. Personally, I find these ten fules filled with much wisdom. At first glance, the rules may seem simple and easy enough to follow, yet it will take much determination from one to follow it through day by day. Ultimately, it all depends on how much value we place on what is important to us and making efforts to uphold the ten rules to make it our way of living.
What is your ikigai? Do you know it (or them)? If you do not know what your ikigai is yet, as Viktor E. Frankl, author of "Man's Search for Meaning" says, your mission is to discover it.
Whoever reads this review post, I hope you will find your ikigai if you have yet to discover it. I wish you a long, happy, and purposeful life. 🙏
