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Book Review : IKIGAI

 


Title: IKIGAI The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy life.  
Authors: Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles
Order now 👉English version || Tamil version👈 

a quick summary: 

We all have an ikigai.

It's the Japanese word for 'a reason to live' or 'a reason to jump out of bed in the morning'.

It's the place where your needs, desires, ambitions, and satisfaction meet. A place of balance. Small wonder that finding your ikigai is closely linked to living longer.

Finding your ikigai is easier than you might think. This book will help you work out what your own ikigai really is, and equip you to change your life. You have a purpose in this world: your skills, your interests, your desires and your history have made you the perfect candidate for something. All you have to do is find it.

Do that, and you can make every single day of your life joyful and meaningful.

Review:

"I wish everyone, especially the younger generations read this book." This was my thought throughout my reading. The book is filled with a lot of information. It's best to take breaks for processing them! 

While reading the chapters, my thoughts were mostly that the methods mentioned are so much relatable from our grandparent's, great grandparent's lives and also realisations from my very own experiences in life so far (it's like universe is confirming my realisations!) .

My maternal grandmother passed away at the age of 112 years! Our ancestors had worked until their last days, they ate healthy, they didn't worry much about past or the future, all they had done was to carry on their routine life and nurture the family values.  

There are tons of statements in this book which can be quoted, writing few which I really like to share it with most people. 

  • having a purpose in life is so important..
  • a lot of sitting will age you.. 
  • we are what we repeatedly do, excellence is not an act but a habit..
  • resilient people know how to stay focused on their objectives, on what matters, without giving in to discouragements.. 
  • what's the worst thing that could happen?
  • worrying about things that are beyond our control accomplices nothing..
  • it's not what happens to you, but how you react that matters..  
  • appreciate the beauty of imperfection as an opportunity for growth.. 
  • the only moment in which you can be truly alive is 'the present moment'...

Finally, these are the ten rules of ikigai..

  1. Stay active; don't retire 
  2. Take it slow 
  3. Don't fill your stomach
  4. Surround yourself with good friends
  5. Get in shape for your next birthday
  6. Smile
  7. Reconnect with nature
  8. Give thanks
  9. Live in the moment
  10. Follow your ikigai. 

It's a definite read, I highly recommend it. 

Some reviews from renowned people around the world: 

  • 'I read it and it's bewitched me ever since. I'm spellbound.' - Chris Evans
  • 'A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness.' Stylist
  • 'Ikigai gently unlocks simple secrets we can all use to live long, meaningful, happy lives. Warm, patient, and kind, this book pulls you gently along your own journey rather than pushing you from behind.' Neil Pasricha, bestselling author of The Happiness Equation 
  • Ikigai urges individuals to simplify their lives by pursuing what sparks joy for them ― Marie 'KonMari' Kondo
  • I love [this] book…I read it's and its bewitched me ever since. I'm spellbound
  • A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness... According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai. It means your purpose - the reason you get up in the morning. The thing that fires you up and keeps you busy. Your raison d'être. ― Stylist
  • Curl up on the sofa with this and enjoy an insight into Japanese culture while picking up some self-care tips you may not have considered before... Ikigai offers an insight into a gentle yet focused way of life built around a sense of purpose. ― Independent
  • Ikigai gently unlocks simple secrets we can all use to live long, meaningful, happy lives. Science-based studies weave beautifully into honest, straight-talking conversation you won't be able to put down. Warm, patient, and kind, this book pulls you gently along your own journey rather than pushing you from behind.
  • [The] Japanese art of ikigai ...Its basic message is about "authentic living". Practitioners must fill in overlapping circles that cover motivation, fulfilment, what they earn and what improves their life. The answer at the centre will be the key to a happy and long life. ― Guardian
  • If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something - and doing it with supreme focus and joy. ― New York Post

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