My Takeaways from "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"

As an attempt to get better this year, I had gone book shopping on New Year's Day (crazy realising that this was almost 8 months ago). Among the 6 books I bought was "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life". 'Another book in the long list of self-help bullshit that I see on bookstagram everyday', was my initial reaction to seeing this title all over the internet and now, on the rack of the little second hand book shop on the side of the road.  Probably one of those books that tells you that your life is miserable because you don't wake up at 5 am. Would probably make you feel shitty about not earning a 6 figure income too. But then the cover attracted me and the words "Japanese Way of Life",  sealed the deal. Nevertheless, the book sat on my bedside table for four whole months before I decided to start reading it. I was desperate for change and reading it helped me in more ways than I could explain. 

It's no coincidence that most centenarians hail from Japan. Their unique approach towards life along with their dedication to their Ikigai and the diet plan they follow contributes greatly to how youthful they look, feel and act. Ancient Japanese concepts like 'Wabi-Sabi' or finding beauty in imperfections and 'Ichi-go Ichi-e' or focusing on the present and enjoying what each moment of life brings, are concepts that are rooted into a Japanese from childhood that shapes the way they are as a society. They learn to respect nature from a very young age. They also give much importance to traditions and takes due steps to follow them. In a world that's being westernized, it's a breath of fresh air to discover people who are truly proud of their culture and traditions. 

According to the book there are three things a person must absolutely have/do to find the strength to move through life.

1) Realising your Ikigai

To begin with, what is Ikigai? Your Ikigai is your purpose of being. Your Ikigai forces you out of your bed. It's something like that A P J Abdul Kalam quote, "Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep." Just replace 'dream' with 'Ikigai'. Ikigai is that perfect combination between your mission, passion, profession and vocation. Following your Ikigai helps you feel at peace and at the end of the day you feel fulfilled and grateful for the day you got to live. You would be excited to get to work. No more Sunday blues, thank you very much. 

2) Moai

Moai is your close-knit group of lifelong friends that you can count on for advice; your social, spiritual and psychological well being; and even financial support during difficult times.  

3) Hara hachi bu

It's the practice of not eating more than 80% of what your stomach can hold. It helps you stay active through out the day as opposed to feeling lethargic when having a full stomach. 

Now to tell you what lessons I learnt from the book-

• Always stay active, never retire.

If you love what you do, and if it defines what you are, then why retire at all? There's always something new to experience and learn in this world. No matter how good you are at what you do you can still reinvent and find new ways to do what you already do.

Would I still be working for a company when I'm 50? Probably not. I would most possibly be picking up pottery or art and be working on it till I can't no more. 

• Take it slow.

Too much stress is obviously draining but just enough stress so as to keep us moving is what we must strive for. 

• Smile more often. Practice gratitude.

"Treat everyone like a brother even if you have not met them before."

You lose nothing in being kind to one another and exchanging smiles. You have all the more to gain from it. Smile when little things like the flower waving it's head when caught up in the wind, catch your attention. Smile because things are ephemeral and you had the privilege to see it in it's beauty. 

Gratitude is that one emotion that you feel which you can not blend with anything else. Let the feeling of being grateful for something or someone in your life fill you up every single day. 

• Diet and exercise.

The diet described in Ikigai is a high fibre, low fat diet that is largely if not entirely, plant- based. They include super foods like shikuwasa and other citrus foods, green tea, green leafy vegetables, nuts, flax etc..,. 

It's not necessary to go to a gym to keep fit. Walk at least 25 minutes a day. Do some stretches right after you wake up and before you sleep or practice yoga, tai-chi or any other form of exercise that fits you. Do not sit more than 25 minutes at a stretch as it lowers your faculties and your energy. 

•Do not multi-task.

Human brains do not have the capacity to parallel process like how a computer process information. All your brain does when you multi task is switch between different tasks quickly which actually decreases efficiency and is much more time consuming. Hence recognise your limitations and make the best out of it. 

• For intense focus, practice "The Pomodoro      Technique".

It's a technique where you work 25 minutes and rest for 5 minutes or alternatively work for 50 minutes and rest for 10. Get yourself a timer to help practice this technique better. I was flunking my pathology exams pathetically when i decided to definitely use this technique and it actually worked miracles for my slightly ADHD brain. 

• Reconnect with nature.

According to Japanese way of living everything is connected to nature and hence to ground yourself and gain energy, you must spend time with nature daily. You can do this by either spending some time in your garden, taking a stroll in the park or getting involved with community gardening and plantation drives. 

Now this blog must have felt like another boring piece of advice you see all over but trust me (no more questions) and just read the god damn book! 

Until next time,

Peace out ✌️