Ikigai — The Reason For Being.

Summary

The concept of "ikigai" or "a reason for living and getting up each morning" is a critical source of value in the lives of Okinawans, who have the longest average life expectancy and more disability-free lives than any country in the world.

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of "ikigai" or "a reason for living and getting up each morning" which is a critical source of value in the lives of Okinawans, who have the longest average life expectancy and more disability-free lives than any country in the world. The concept of ikigai is unique and specific to a person, and can change with time or occasions, but always reflects that person’s core belief and values. It serves as the driving force in one’s daily pursuit, as well as mental comfort in times of hardship and endurance. The article emphasizes the importance of always carrying a purpose for each day and pursuing that purpose, and taking every moment to appreciate the chance to do so. The article also highlights that there isn’t a word in the Japanese language that describes “retirement”, and that we should never stop working, completely.

Opinions

The concept of ikigai is a critical source of value in the lives of Okinawans, who have the longest average life expectancy and more disability-free lives than any country in the world.
Ikigai is unique and

Ikigai — The Reason For Being.

Photo by Les Anderson

Men and women on the island of Okinawa have the longest average life expectancy and more disability-free lives than any country in the world. Ancient Chinese legends used to call this place “The Land of The Immortals”. Fascination and curiosity have led many researchers and scientists to seek an understanding of their unusual longevity and health. And the concluding answer is as intriguing as it is inspiring: Besides the notably observed physical and social contentment lifestyles, these 100-year-old Okinawans all live by a concept called “ikigai” or “a reason for living and getting up each morning”.

Whether it is to feed his family, pass along his craftsmanship or see his great-grandchildren. ikigai is a critical source of value in their lives and what makes living worth a while. Each ikigai is unique and specific to a person, they can change with time or occasions, but always reflects that person’s core belief and values. It serves as the driving force in one’s daily pursuit, as well as mental comfort in times of hardship and endurance. A complete mental, physical and spiritual guide that fuels the body to keep on going.

The key takeaway here is not to ever live an idle existence, laziness is as terminal as it is death. Always carry a purpose for each day, pursue that purpose, and take every moment to appreciate the chance to do so. It is interesting that there isn’t a word in the Japanese language that describes “retirement”, and yet it is the most common end goal for many of us — stop working, start relaxing, enjoy the remainder of existence on a secluded beach and watch the sunset.

It is all beautiful and serene when compared to the struggles of our current lives now, but perhaps if we change our lens and view the struggles from the perspective of an ikigai, we may come to realize these struggles are just part of life, hurdles in the journey to reach from one destination to another, and another...

We should never stop working, completely. We must have an ikigai, however small, and how often we need to update it.