Despite the clear title, I was expecting the book to be a simple run-through guide of finding your 'reason for being' aka your ikigai (pronounced “icky guy”). Instead, the book branches out in lovely ways and ultimately provides a roadmap for longevity and fulfillment. An insightful/rewarding read from authors, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. 8/10
The following are the notes I took whilst reading the book
Ikigai “the happiness of always being busy”
Importance of:
/an active adaptable mind and stepping outside your comfort zone even if it creates some anxiety
/use of meditation to calm the mind
/stoic attitude
/sleep 7-9 hours
/rituals over goals
/emotional awareness
/enjoy the little things; stay young, have fun, dance – celebrate all the time
/Our ability to turn routine tasks into moments of microflow (into something we enjoy) is key to us being happy. Happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most, they are the ones who spend more time in a state of flow
Vicktor Frankl's ideas
/ We don't need a peaceful existence but a challenge we can strive to meet (if the task is too easy it will lead to boredom, if the task is beyond our abilities it may create anxiety but that anxiety will disappear when taking the first step)
/ Feelings (like weather) happen, we can only accept and observe - trying to control our feelings will only make them more intense
Secrets to longevity
1) Stay active - never stop moving in daily routines – working in your vegetable garden/weeding – your body needs daily maintenance to prevent it from breaking down
2) Take life slow – relax
3) Don't fill your stomach – stop eating when 80% full
4) Surround yourself with good friends - be social - say hello to people in community
5) Smile, laugh – cheerful, positive attitude
6) Reconnect with nature
7) Give thanks
8) Live in the moment – stop regretting the past and fearing the future – today is all you have, the present is all that exists
9) Follow your ikigai – the passion inside of you, your unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself until the end – but don't worry too much about finding it + it's also open to change when you do.
10) Eat a bit of everything (Okinawan diet)
/Book Review sets out to share some of my favourite library finds, encouraging others to do the same :)
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