• Post category:Book notes
Title: IKIGAI
Author: Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
Date started & finished: 11 Feb 2019 to 14 Feb 2019
Notes written on: 14 Feb 2019
 
Why I choose this book:
The book came up in conversation with different people and I had added it to my reading list.
 
I keep a list on the cloud with the books that are recommended to me, or that I hear people recommend. And when I find myself in a book store or buying a book online I refer to it.
 
As it happened I went to a store to buy a book, saw it displayed and bought it.
 
Book theme/ message:
How to live a Long and Happy Life.
 
Personal connection: How does the book relate to me to me or my experiences?
Including my highlights passages and or quote.
Say what ever you want / think. I know the universe, or whatever you want to call, is there to help you and guide you. I just had finished an intense weekend on figuring out my why. I felt and knew it was related to happiness in some way. And the book I happen to grab (I had 4 books with me) happens to be one about having a purpose. That is how it relates to me on so many levels.
 
The book is 180 pages, and super easy to read so I would recommend reading the whole things. I will be reading this book again in a few months. Still here are my highlighted passes:
 
“Ikigai. This Japanese concept, which translate roughly as “the happiness of always being busy””
 
Kigali is what you have when you put together:
What you Love
What you are Good at
What the World Needs
What you can be Paid for
These results in Passion + Mission + Vocation + Profession = IKIGAI
 
Moai – a community
 
Active Mind, Youthful Body
 
Discovering your life’s purpose
 
How to turn work and free time into spaces for growth
 
‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit` Aristotle
 
Lessons from Japan’s Centenarians
1. Don’t worry
2. Cultivate good habits
3. Nurture your friendships every day
4. Live an unhurried life
5. Be optimistic
 
The Ikigai Diet
 
Locals best a wide variety of foods, especially vegetables. Variety seems to be key
 
“eating the rainbow”
 
Hara hachi bu … When you notice you’re almost full but could have a little more… just stop eating!
 
Drinking green or white tea every day can help us reduce the free radicals in our bodies, keeping us young longer.
 
Gentle movements, longer life
 
As easy as getting out of your chair
 
Metabolism slows down 90 percent after 30 minutes of sitting
 
Radio taiso, yoga, tai chi, Qigong, Shiatsu… The takeaway is that they all combine a physical exercise with an awareness of our breath.
 
Most of the time, we are just not aware enough of our breathing.
 
Resilence and wabi-sabi
 
How to face life’s challenges without letting stress and worry age you
 
‘Fall seven times, rise eight.’ Japanese proverb
 
What’s the worst thing that could happen? (keep asking and then what)
 
Meditating for healthier emotions
 
The here and now, and the impermanence of things
 
“The only moment in which you can be truly alive is the present moment” … Thich Nhat Hanh
 
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: passion, unique talent that gives meaning to your day.
 
What impact or impression has this book made on me?
It makes my self doubt go away, and reinforces that I want to share my passion(s) with other. We can all learn from one another. So let’s all start sharing.
 
How can I use this?
I want to work on the third rule, don’t fill your stomach. To be more intentional when I eat to realise when my stomach tells me it nearly full
 
Why must I use this?
I will feel better after meals and have more energy as my body will not slow down as much during digestion.
 
When will I use this?
When I eat.
 
My recommendation of this book: [low 1 … 10 high]
Enjoyment: 10
Learning: 10
Easy to read: 10
Why: Short read, simple tips, and applicable to your life.
 
Have a good day