Discover the power of ikigai: Ikigai Philosophy and Benefits
What is ikigai:
Ikigai is not only therapy, but also a philosophy of life for the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Okinawa. The Japanese word ‘iki’ means life, and ‘gai’ means value. That is, when added together, the meaning stands for the value of life or the purpose of living or the purpose of life.
In today’s age, when people are tired and tired of running after money, possessions and fame, the people of Japan still enjoy life to the fullest. The Japanese already have a longer life expectancy than other countries. Meanwhile, the average life expectancy of Okinawans is much higher. Many of these people live a healthy normal life beyond 100 years. Here the number of diseases like heart disease and cancer is very low.
Their wealth is not much, but their happiness is great. The word of weariness is not in their dictionary. So they don’t spend the day in too much work. Do little work all day, eat little, and drink lots of herbal green tea.
They take occasional small naps throughout the day. Modern studies have shown that short naps can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. In the afternoon they exercise or go for a walk or socialize with friends. The habit of laughing (not artificial laughter) and spending time in nature, helps to keep them healthy.
Why Ikigai is Gaining Popularity:
When the modern fast and glittering life is engaging people in anxiety and illness, people are trying to find happiness not in wealth but in beyond wealth and that’s when this concept of Ikigai is gaining immense popularity all over the world. The concept is similar to the philosophy of the Sanatana Sage of India. The concept is the blending of real and spiritual life which is a way of life in Japan. This concept teaches people very easily what should be the aim of their life. Naturally finding one’s true purpose in life gives one the greatest achievement of one’s life which greatly helps one to live a long and happy life.
What is Ikigai Philosophy and Benefits:
According to this Japanese philosophy, a person should not only be physically healthy, but also try to stay mentally healthy. And if one finds the purpose of life or the right goal of life, he gains mental happiness, as well as physical well-being, gains money. He can do anything for the world.
What a person is good at and what he loves is his passion. The work he loves and the work the world needs is his mission. Vocation is the work that the world needs and for which one earns money. Finally, profession is the work that a person is skilled in and earns money by doing. This passion, mission, vocation and profession are all four together that is Ikigai. Japanese people get out of bed every morning happy to find their ikigai.
How to Find Ikigai of Life:
Many may think that Ikigai is only possible in certain professions. But that is not the case. It is possible to find the same ikigai in every profession. Everyone can find their own Ikigai in their own way. Find the ikigai of life. It is possible for everyone to find the ikigai of their own life. Asking yourself these questions can help you discover this Ikigai philosophy. The questions are-
- Can you do any job very well?
- What work do you love?
- What work do you earn money from?
- Can any of your work be useful in this world?
Finding these answers will find Ikigai. In addition, the Japanese have 10 rituals that give them longevity and peace of mind. These are –
- stay active, never retire
- Slow down in life
- Eat in moderation. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet. Don’t eat more if you feel 80% has been filled
- Mingle and chat with your best friends
- Keep yourself fresh with daily gentle exercise rather than strenuous exercise
- Smile open heartedly and praise and acknowledge the people around you
- Spend little bit of time of a day in close contact with nature
- Express interest in everything that helps make your day cheerful
- Wander in present
- Follow your Ikigai
It is important to note that everyone’s ikigai is different.
How Okinawa Islanders Follow Ikigai:
Although the way of life of the people of Okinawa Island has been discussed a bit, but in this part we will look at how the inhabitants follow the ikigai philosophy and benefits. Most of the inhabitants of this island have an average life expectancy of 100 or more. They don’t start rat race every morning but rather their life can be said to be a bit lazy. Work slowly, take a nap in the afternoon, hang out with friends in the afternoon and eat small meals throughout the day.
Japanese food looks like a rainbow of colors. Because they eat different types of vegetables and fruits like red, green, white, yellow, saffron etc. Their diet consists of tofu, miso, tuna, green tea. Apart from this, there is a lemon-like sour fruit called shikuwasa. An antioxidant called nobiletin is found in this fruit. Research suggests that this substance acts as an anti-aging agent and protects people from cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity etc. It is known that they practice pranayama, meditation etc. daily. But above all get used to living a tension free life. Moreover, the water and air of this island are clean and pollution-free which helps people to live in spontaneous bliss.
Why Ikigai is so popular:
With the change of time, people stop running after money and possessions and are looking for a new happy life from this Japanese philosophy. People are again looking for simple life to be happier. They find themselves tired and exhausted from running after a job they don’t like. Many people want to commit suicide. That’s when this little word ikigai from Japan, people is finding happiness in their lives. Not only that, through Ikigai people not only improve themselves, but also improve the world. Hence the popularity of this philosophy of life is gradually increasing.
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