IKIGAI Book Review : Unlock your IKIGAI for a better 2025

IKIGAI : Finding Purpose and Longevity.

As per IKIGAI Book Review, The Japanese believe that everyone has an ikigai, which translates to a reason for being-a thing that provides a sense of purpose, and thus, happiness in life. The people of Okinawa, Japan, who are highly regarded for their longevity, claim that the reason they rise in the morning is because of their ikigai.

They are active, almost never retiring from doing things that are loved for as long as possible while still being able to. Okinawans also generally eat healthily, are known for their ability to stop eating at 80 percent full, and harbor strong connections via supportive Moai communities.

It is this aspect of their lifestyle that keeps incidence of heart disease and dementia rates so dismally low. The growth of purpose, strong social connections, and moderate exercise are other factors now scientifically proven to promote a long and happy life.

Okinawa is one of those five Blue Zones, together with Sardinia, Loma Linda, and the Nicoya Peninsula; not forgetting Ikaria in Greece. These are areas where themes of good nutrition, community living, and purpose in life have been highlighted, hence providing lessons for all as mentioned in IKIGAI Book Review.

Viktor Frankl was a prisoner during World War II and a doctor. He believed that a person has to find a meaning in life in order to be able to bear with anything. He had developed therapy called logotherapy, which was oriented to help people find purpose. For instance, during his survival in the harsh concentration camps, Frankl found meaning by thinking about the rewriting of his lost research. This gave him a reason for living and strength against the ordeals of life.

It is quite different from classic psychoanalysis: rather than approaching retrospection, its sights are set on prospecting in the horizon, on the search for an existentially grounding raison d’etre. Logotherapy’s premise is founded on the thought that it is the frustration belonging to the category of noogenic neuroses resulting from an overwhelming feeling of life devoid of purpose that can lead man to self-distraction. It is a kind of derivative of Morita therapy, whereby people are basically asked to accept their feelings and then shift the focus onto actions-very similar to the principles of ACT.

As per the ikigai book review, both types of therapy are related to the discovery of ‘ikigai’-a reason for living that is unique to each of us. Once discovered, one may begin to face the various challenges that life has in store with bravery, resolve, and determination to grow strong.

As per IKIGAI Book Review, there are exceptional cases in which individuals live very long which is not usual, such as super-centenarians, or persons living beyond 110 years. Numerous studies have been conducted to unravel the secret of their longevity. Most say simple things matter: good food, exercise, and positive thinking. Misao Okawa, who lived to 117 years, pointed out that eating sushi and sleeping well while staying relaxed was the key. María Capovilla, who reached 116, never ate meat and was happy. Jeanne Calment, who reached the oldest age of 122, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life. For another example, Walter Breuning, who lived to be 114, attributed his long life to staying busy.

The Japanese are among the longest-lived people in the world, owing to their healthy diet, strong community ties, and finding a reason for living, or ikigai, in life. Many elders continue to work, practice art, and help others. They motivate us to strive for a healthier, happier, and more meaningful life as mentioned in IKIGAI Book Review.

Okinawa is a prefecture in Japan and houses the world’s highest percentage of people over 100 years old. Since Okinawa was the center of fierce battles during World War II, people had quite a rough time after the war. However, they turned out to be the longest-living people in Japan.

As per IKIGAI Book Review, This has been attributed by experts to their healthy lifestyle and diet. Okinawans walk or ride a bicycle quite often since there are no trains, and they consume low levels of salt. Vegetables, fruits, and fish are in plenty in their diet; however, sugar is scarcely taken.

The Okinawan principle has been that of ‘hara hachi bu’, meaning one should stop eating when one is 80% full. Okinawans also take green tea and jasmine tea, both have antioxidants helping them stay fit. They take in other such eatables that include nutrient-rich items like tofu, miso, sweet potatoes, and shikuwasa. These protect them from diseases and keep them healthy for long, with a life expectancy also high.

Being resilient means being strong, not giving up, and life cannot get you down. It’s like falling down seven times, and then getting up eight, like the Japanese saying goes. Resilient people keep their focus on those things they can control and keep bad feelings at bay. They keep trying to do things that are important to them.

Two ancient philosophies, Buddhism and Stoicism, advise us on how to remain cool and not get carried away with the things which may not last forever; instead, they suggest enjoying life with moderation and not allowing desires to take over one’s existence. Instead of being anxious, we should live for at the present and changes in life gracefully.

After all, resilience can enable one to learn and grow; in other cases, they might even become stronger, somewhat like the Hydra mythical creature that grew stronger with every injury. With life’s twists, ups, and downs, resilience allows for joy and meaning in every moment.