IKIGAI (Book Review)

IKIGAI - A Japanese Secret to Long and Happy Life by Hector Gracia & Fancesc Miralles (translated by Heather Cleary)

A very small but an effective book which shows the way for living a long life. The authors have not only stated the definition and other features of the word "IKIGAI" but took pains to travel to the actual place and interview the "CENTENERIANS" and many such stories are published in this book.The entire narrative is simple to understand for an average reader and tips to implement the same is also given.

Hailing from the West, the authors have made comparative study of various practices on similar lines and how "IKIGAI" helps people of the Island OKINAWA survive for longer years is put up beautifully. The travel to a smaller village within the island - OGIMI - called as the Village of Longetivity is penned up wonderfully that the reader can actually have a sense of belonging.

IKIGAI in English roughly translates to "the happiness of always being busy". The secrets of living long is being happy.  to a common man, IKIGAI can be defined as finding correct balance of Passion, Profession, Vocation and Mission. Of the four factors, Passion is the key. For almost all of us, our real passion has been layered by the worldly compulsions of living this life under stress. However, the villagers of OGIMI emphaise on living life on their own terms. They are ready to test their limits under the most severest conditions but not part away from their actual passion. In simple words, irrespective of worldly troubles as regards finance or other material acquisition, they would prefer to follow their passion.

As I mentioned earlier, the authors have taken efforts to list out the various practices existing in the villages, their diet, their daily schedule, their traditions, the village culture and many other aspects too.

One of the important learning for me was IKIGAI allows "Being in the FLOW state of mind" which is actually very important. What is that one activity you can do for hours together without being disturbed by the worldly interferences in any form? What is that activity which gives you that immense happiness on fulfillment? What is the one activity when completed makes you blush? That is your IKIGAI. Obviously, IKIGAI for each person would be different and one need not spend hours to find our IKIGAI. It comes naturally. It can be derived from daily chores a person does. Once, you find your IKIGAI, nothing can stop you from being happy.

Other important area of learning was The Centenerains never believed in the concept of retirement. Even though one may officially retire from Office or company, but at personal level they followed some basic rules to work as long as they could. To put up in simple words, waking up early, following their morning ritual, eating in moderate, eating variety of food, exercising in moderate, being with friends, dancing, enjoying, laughing, sleeping early were some of the very basic secrets shared, Its not that we do not know any of the things mentioned above, but how much we practice in our daily lives???

To conclude, I would suggest, do not read this book once, you need to read it twice/thrice or as many times you feel it gets deep within your body cells and you find your IKIGAI.