Does Ikigai book really help in finding Ikigai
Review,  Nonfiction

Does Ikigai book really help in finding Ikigai?

Does Ikigai book really help in finding Ikigai? Ikigai is interesting and informative self-help with all important concepts to live healthy, long life but answer to that question is, I don’t think so…!

Does Ikigai book really help in finding Ikigai?

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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles

Publication Date : August 29, 2017

Publisher : Penguin Life

Read Date : April 26, 2022

Genre : Nonfiction / Self-help

Pages : 208

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Synopsis

Discover the Japanese secret to a long and happy life with the internationally bestselling guide to ikigai – ‘a refreshingly simple recipe for happiness’ (Stylist Magazine)

The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed each morning. And according to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa – the world’s longest-living people – finding it is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life.

Inspiring and comforting, this book will give you the life-changing tools to uncover your personal ikigai. It will show you how to leave urgency behind, find your purpose, nurture friendships and throw yourself into your passions.

Bring meaning and joy to your every day with ikigai.

Does Ikigai book really help in finding Ikigai?

Ikigai is interesting and informative self-help book that focuses on how one can live long, happy, and purposeful life by finding their Ikigai.

Book started with what work Ikigai means, where the word came from, and what one can expect from the book that explores if the Ikigai is the reason more centenarians are found in Japan and what is the secret of living a long life. I love that diagram of Ikigai.

There are many points/aspects covered in this book but not all are new to me or I haven’t already known but some are interesting and informative.

It was interesting to know about what is blue zone and where these zones are; what is logotherapy and how it can help in living better; the difference between logotherapy and psychotherapy; What is Morita therapy, how going with the flow can help which included some interesting list of difference between multitasking and concentrating on a single task. I was surprised to read mundane tasks also help with flow. (TBH not when it’s dishes and laundry or house cleaning, at least not for all people) There is the point I needed to hear- it’s okay to be reclusive and save your time for things you love and enjoy that many people fail to understand. (at the same time I feel it contradicts the point on the importance of community though, doesn’t it?)

Most interesting parts are those that highlight Japanese culture and lifestyle- Takumi art, Ogimi and people living in this village of longevity, some terminologies, poetry, sayings, food and exercise. I enjoyed author’s interview with centenarians in this village and reading how different things worked for them and some didn’t really know how they could live so long but one thing is common in them all, they stayed active as long as they could.

I’m surprised to read that one of the elder from Ogimi village called a village of longevity said food is not most important. Yeah after reading all that ‘eat healthy’ points this is not something I was expecting. Of course, they say eat right and all but it’s not the top most point of their long life. It’s smiling and having a good time, good soical life, and sense of community.

Why 3 stars-

I can see why this is hit or miss for many readers. I also think finding Ikigai is sidetracked in some parts and it is more focused on longevity and how centenarians lived long life.

All well known and universally accepted things are included in this book like- stay active, do at least light exercise, eat healthy, not to stress and find a way to relieve stress, sleep enough, stay positive and incorporate more positivity in life, happiness is the journey not the final destination. All these points are elaborated in detail with examples and proof of studies. It didn’t exactly add much to what I already knew.

I also don’t think I agreed with everything. The community this book talked about, I don’t think we find that kind of community everywhere in world. I’ve seen dysfunctional and toxic communities as well. Also, I think this doesn’t exactly help with finding your Ikigai. At some points, author leaves it to us to find our own Ikigai.

Overall, Ikigai summarises all important concepts to live healthy, long life but I don’t think it exactly helps in finding Ikigai which is important for Long and Happy Life.

Book Links

goodreads | storygraph | amazon.in | amazon.com | amazon.co.uk

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Hi, I'm Yesha, an Indian book blogger. Avid and eclectic reader who loves to read with a cup of tea. Not born reader but I don't think I’m going to stop reading books in this life. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

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