Day -117

 Knowing one’s IKIGAI- areas of Happiness

In the book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles show how Okinawa Islanders, Japan have mastered the art of long life and how many of them are living beyond 100 years of age.

·    The people all over the world, look for solutions to lead a healthy, happy and long life.

·       The average life span of many do not cross the half century mark.

·   Again, those who are living beyond that mark are not happy due to variety of reasons.

·    So, in this book the authors have tried to capture the life of Okinawa Islanders to show that how long and HAPPY life is within one’s reach.  

• Ikigai stands for your passion, innermost desire and your inclination. 
• Knowing one’s Ikigai , try to lead a successful and happy life.
•  Happy life leads to a long life, so the book states. 
• People who have lived long for more than 100 years are the subject of this study.

Some of their messages are quite simple, but not followed by many, hence the stress and strife and early end in life for many. The five points for long life cited in the book are

-        1) Don’t worry

 2)Cultivate good habits

3)Nurture friendship everyday

          4)Live an unhurried life and

5)Be Optimistic

All the above may be known to many but not found practical due to their life style and challenges. Further it is a moot point whether such maxims can be put into practice in a busy city. Nevertheless, being aware of the ingredients for a long and happy life will be of some use to any one-whether a village dweller or a city one.

·       The only moment in which one can be truly alive is the present moment.

•  This is a great learning for many. 
• Most are trying to reach the future, neglecting the precious present such that when future comes, both present and future are found to be lost.

Mindful living is recommended for achieving peace, harmony, health and happiness. But then how one can achieve mindful living is the quest of many. Every meditation attempts the practitioner to be in the present moment. In fact, all live only in the present. That present should be truly made memorable.

IKIGAI emphasis on that also show the way taken by the Eknawo islanders to achieve the same. Today is a world of speed. Everything is done with utmost feed. That is also reflected in the life of many. The end also comes speedily for many.

 Ikigai, helps to look, learn and slow down the pace, knowing fully well that there is only one life-as can be fully certain of-to live.10 rules of Ikigai are -

·       1)Stay active 2), don’t retire,3) Take it slow,4) Don’t fill your stomach,5) Surround yourself with good friends,6) Get in shape for your next birthday,7) Smile,8) Reconnect with nature,9) Give thanks,10) Live in the moment. Follow your Ikigai, Eating, even sleeping—each and every activity, be mindful…Such that you are in touch with the Present, nothing is done casually, and mechanically.

This moment exists now only and won’t come again. Simple, yet profound. Easy to know, difficult to practice. That is also the appeal of the book.

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ

7 30 AM