Ikigai: Live A Long And Happy Life Using The Japenese Secret

Jan 07, 2019 by apost team

All human beings are in constant search for the true meaning of life. Japan hasn’t been exceptional and has a particular word that captures the importance of having a purpose in life. Ikigai, also pronounced in English as "I-Key-Guy," points out to the cause that makes an individual feel the worth of living. The cause changes from person to person it could revolve around fame, wealth, charity work, career, or family.

Behind one publication “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” is Hector Garcia who was inspired by how the Japanese, in general, have a strong sense of fulfilling the purpose of life. He went ahead to quote how the Japanese people persevere and dedicate themselves to Ikigai.

Hector further observed that top city professionals nurtured their sense of dedication in correlation to their areas of expertise. Shockingly, the Japanese people try and find the real purpose of living even when doing the easiest of tasks. To them, every duty treasured by a human being has some weight and gear-power towards Ikigai. It could be the reason why even the retired have a low mortality rate with their purposes in the world being extended in old age.

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Hector found out that the Japanese residing in rural settings had a stronger belief in Ikigai, which is held at a communal scope. You have probably noticed how individualistic most of the Western countries are; they demand more of individual success and embrace competition among each other. On the contrary, the Japanese communities prefer to share letdowns and accomplishments and bring everyone to the same level.

The Ikigai author, Hector, derives examples from the modern world where people sink into depression trying to become better than their peers in terms of well-paying jobs, standards of living, and wealth. He proceeds to say that if people worked in groups and further cemented their relationships through engaging in fun activities like swimming or playing chess, then there wouldn’t be any trouble finding a sense of purpose in life.

Kizuna, yet another Japanese name, has been used to describe the bond that links everyone as illustrated above.

As Hector continued with his research, he came across the residents of Okinawa who live on a small island in Japan. Due to their long and unique life, they have attracted a lot of attention from researchers across the globe. Ikigai has played a vital role in the residents’ long life spans mainly due to their strong social bonds.

According to the Okinawa residents, life holds much more than just being ambitious. Having a bunch of good interconnected friends and taking part in activities you treasure will go a long way in finding Ikigai.

Life is simple if you don’t complicate it. To find your purpose in life, you will need to do some soul searching. More like eradicating what’s unimportant and adding what’s vital brings you peace, your Ikigai is solely based on those things that you never tire of doing even in your lowest moments.

In summary, the secret to finding your true purpose in life is exploring what you love and the deepest desires within you.

Do you agree with the principles of Ikigai? Will you practice it in the new year? Tell us your thoughts and don't keep this secret to a happy life to yourself. Pass it along to your family and friends!