Book Review : Ikigai - Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles

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Ikigai - meaning Making a life to be worthwhile. One of the highly recommended books, this book is an amazing collection of facts and data points from an involved research from specific regions of the world, where humans tend to live longer than the rest. To be more precise, it captures the essence of life of centenarians and their way of life. Is there something for us to learn and imbibe from these “young” elders?

Okinawa region in Japan is known to have the largest concentration of people living beyond 100 years. The authors have travelled to this region and interviewed many residents to identify what is the secret of longevity - Which is where IKIGAI as a concept fits in. Simple daily practices with profound impact is explained in a very beautiful manner. For example “Hara Hachi Bhu” - Fill your belly upto 80% is one of the core tenets of the long life, which is supported by ensuring that food is served on small plates so that one eats less.

Concepts like Moai (Group of people with common interests & who look out for each other) emphasise the importance of a community in the well being of an individual. One of the concepts is to become one with what one is doing I.e. in other words, become merged with the task and flow with the same. “Ganbaru” i.e. to persevere is one another concept emphasised at multiple junctures in the book. Meditation, Mindfulness, Satisfaction, Stoic attitude, Smiling, Friendships and Relationships, Optimism & Unhurried life are some of the topics that are described in great detail - each playing a crucial role in the longevity of the individuals.

There are references to other works of wide acclaim such as Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s AntiFragile concept.
 Overall, this is a VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED book - A book that should be revisited every year perhaps !!!

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