Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, written by Fransec Miralles and Hector Garcia is the book intended to help you live a life that is fuller. Ikigai means flow, passion. Ikigai is what keeps us flowing. Ikigai is what gives a purpose to our life. Ikigai is the force within us that keeps us going – no matter what. It keeps the fire of passion alive within us. With the modern city life and powerful forces and incentives (money, power, attention, and success) taking over us, we are constantly in a race, distracted and disconnected from our own self.
This book is a pathway to reconnect! It is not a miracle, it is a simple practice. Following a routine and being disciplinde are often under-rated by today’s generation, but remember, how strict our grandparents used to be? About waking up early, making our beds, etc? It all has a meaning, one that we have lost in today’s era. We tend to do everything in our comfort zone, at our convenience. In my view, that is still fine, but I strongly believe in having a routine of self-discipline.
The book highly stresses on these little things that we can do in our daily life to reconnect and achieve a flow. The book illustrates life of many people who have achieved a very strong connection with their Ikigai, however, as a family person, it might not be possible or even wise, to leave behind everything in search of our Ikigai. The book guides us on how we can achieve this flow whilst still living the life that we have.
I am putting here a small checklist for you all to help you have a start point. These are things that I believe are do-able in our daily routine, however, you will need to read the book to gain deeper understanding of the importance.
Also, this is my accumulation of things based on what I think I can do with the busy home / work life, but you may have different view / priorities after reading the book.
In order to encourage more people, I would like to put this out as a challenge – The Ikigai Challenge. You may choose to take this challenge and respond to me; in return, I will share my list with you.
- Give yourself a small challenge on regular basis
Learn something new, be it as simple as a new game, or an extension of a skill.
2. Exercise
Mild exercise every day. Yoga, pranayama, Pilates, walking etc. whatever that suits you. Just move!
3. Eating
Eat only till you are 80% full and minimise eating junk food.
4. Fasting
It is scientifically proven now that fasting is good for health. It helps cleanse the digestive system. I personally feel it also helps in boosting will-power.
5. Pray
Don’t have sit down and chant a big prayer (it does help in my view to create certain vibrations within ourselves and in our surroundings). However, starting by just small prayers will help us rebuild the lost connection or strengthen the weakened connection.
6. Keep yourself engaged
We tend to go on a thought trail, and it is often of worry and negativity. Engage yourself in an activity that will stop you from going on a thought trail. Water your plants, listen to music, etc. It doesn’t have to be an established activity. Just something little to take your mind off your thoughts. Key is to be conscious of the thoughts and knowing when to stop thinking.
This is my checklist. I can’t do everything every day. But I tell myself that every little thing counts. The goal is to keep our body and mind active and engaged. According to the book, all these little things and habits help in achieving better physical and mental health, that will eventually help us find a flow. Once you identify your Ikigai, pursuing and nurturing it every day, will bring meaning to your life. The moment your life has a meaning, you will achieve a happy state of flow in everything that you do.
And this is the key to happiness, longevity, and health. Like I said above, it’s not a miracle, it is practice.
Wishing you to find your Ikigai soon! Happy Reading- if you’re planning to pick this one to read or re-read.
Written by: Chahna D
Edited by: Milauni T
himalayaswithin 