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Hello friends,
I stumbled across this strange word, ikigai, at the end of 2020. Then, hoping to find inspiration after a year fraught with isolation from one another and events that tested our faith in democracy and one another, I discovered this little book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirales.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that describes our sense of purpose, or as the authors define it, “the reason we get up in the morning.” The word combines iki, life, and gai, to be worthwhile.
The authors examine what appears to be the primary factors influencing how many people in Okinawa, Japan live to and beyond 100 years of age. Ikigai “gives a sense of purpose to each and every day and plays an important role in their health and longevity.”
I want that even more as birthdays keep adding up. I can’t change the world, but I can face the world with purpose and joy.
How did ikigai help me? I learned ten rules that I try to remember and embrace every day.
- Stay active; don’t retire. Keep doing the things you love. We might retire from a job but never retire from life.
- Take it slow. Take time to enjoy this day, this moment. Let go of the frantic pace.
- Don’t fill your stomach. This one is a little harder if you love food. The idea is to fill your stomach to 80% full. Just eat a little less.
- Surround yourself with good friends. A good friend to share thoughts, laughter, and life makes any day brighter.
- Get in shape for your next birthday. Get up and move. Exercise releases hormones that make us happy.
- Smile. A positive attitude can make a world of difference.
- Reconnect with nature. Walking or just sitting in nature brings a sense of calm and peace.
- Give thanks. Take a moment to have gratitude for the good things in your life, the air you breathe, friends, family, or maybe a faithful pet.
- Live in the moment. Stop living in the past or angsting over the future. Today is your greatest gift.
- Follow your ikigai. What passion lives inside you? What makes you, you? Do that, and share it with others.
I’m smiling, grateful for each day, special friends, and the opportunity to share, and wishing you a long and happy life full of ikigai.
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