IKIGAI
'What is the meaning of life?' This can become a really heavy on question at any age in life, you might be asking the question first time in your life when you are 10 years old or maybe even younger, or later in life maybe even in your 70+s - but sooner or later the question will strike you, and it won't stop nagging you until you feel somewhat comfortable with an answer.
As Viktor Frankl described it, it is the 'mass neurosis' of modern times. I was 13 years old when my whole being got slammed with the question, since then I have been reading, contemplating, and studying with an endless desire to understand. Many years have gone by and I feel like I am somewhat or should say respectfully comfortable it, as I realised that the more we try to understand life, the more it expands and the less we know about it. The meaning of life is larger than our lifetime. Yet it is also in our everyday life, in our every moment, in our every breath, and with our actions and thoughts we give meaning, we create the meaning of our own life. There are many cultures, philosophies, spiritual and academic studies behind this question, and one of them is IKIGAI.
IKIGAI is a Japanese philosophy on how to live life fully. When the Japanese characters of the word is broken down it means 'Life to be worthwhile' It can also be described as the reason we jump out of bed each morning. The reason and the joy in every day.
Ikigai also studies the longevity of life, and how we can live not only a meaningful, purposeful life but a long one as well. It is the wisdom for a long, happy living with a purpose -a joyful journey of life. Sounds amazing doesn’t it.
You need to discover your own meaning, your own philosophy towards for the meaning of life - your own IKIGAI and I promise you that in itself, that discovery is a fun adventure, a self-journey that keeps evolving. This book is a beautiful guide for you to take with you to define your Ikigai, it not only defines that steps you can take towards it but my favourite part it includes many words of wisdom and lessons from the world's longest living people.
During the research and studies of IKIGAI, they interviewed 100 centenarians (people living 100+ years old) and asked about their life philosophy, the following common themes and learnings came up.
Stay active – move your body (walk, exercise, dance)
Eat your vegetables and only fill your belly up to 80%
Sleep well
Live an unhurried life – Take it slow and relax
Connect with nature
Be mindful about reducing stress
Live in the moment: stop regretting past and worrying about the future.
Be grateful and thankful for life, for all you have
Don’t worry - Smile often
Never stop learning
Nourish your relationships, family and friends – say hello to people
Meditate for healthier emotions
Be optimistic – celebrate little things everyday
Keep your thirst for living life
Keep creating, producing for your Ikigai
Cultivate good habits everyday – consistency is key
Wake up early and salute the sun
If you keep your mind and body busy, you’ll be around a long time.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Thank you to my loving husband, Umut, for gifting me the book.
Love, Selin