Book review.Ikigai:The Japanese secret to happy life.

Title: IKIGAI The Japanese secret to live a happy Life. 
Author: Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. 
Pages: 194      

                                                                                                                                          

‘IKIGAI’ a Japanese word defines itself as ‘a reason getting out of bed.’ The book is a fantastic combination of both Desires and Sorrows and teach us a lot about how effectively we can tackle them in our day to day life. The book compels us to find our own IKIGAI: ‘Purpose of our life’ while we go through the book further.
The book starts with the intro of both the writers of the book who fortunately meet each other and the book came into being. The book takes us to the Okinawa(Japan )also called as village of longevity. Further disclosing the content writers make us aware of various therapies such as Logotherapy, Morita Therapy etc. The main intention behind writing this book is helping people to find their IKLGAI. Further in the book writer also mention their journey to the Okinawa and study made on the centenarians(person who have crossed 100 years)and their various secrets.
It expresses a beautiful concept called as Flow. Where our body and soul are completely immersed in the work we love to do without being aware of the time. It was the best part I liked from the book. Later the book throws some light upon the lifestyle of Okinawa residents, their diet , their daily routine which helps them to fit throughout their lifespan. These habits are worth incorporating into our daily lifestyle.
The book takes us to the hills, rivers, temples of Japan just sitting at home. It gives us an unimaginable feel of Japan. If simultaneously we browse about the terms in the book we can come across various temples, their rituals, Japanese handicrafts and much more. It also mentions various exercises of Japanese culture to be mentally stable and physically fit. Such as ‘Radio Taiso, Tai Chi, Quigong, Shiatsu etc. The book also discloses about the benefits of YOGA for the same purpose. It also shares some of the interviews of Super centenarian and their secret to longevity. One of the best statement that I like was “The happiness is in doing and not in results.” One must really read the book once in a lifetime. It will make you feel so energetic than never before. And you would be able to find your own ‘IKIGAI’ and start to live a life with completely different perspective.
                                                             

                                           “Walk slowly and you will go far.”

What have I learned: It depends on our perspective on how would  a cause can affect us. Exercise plays a vital role in our day to day life and also an essential component for antiaging. One should reserve the time for himself and start nurturing his/her hobbies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Review by: Om Rupali Sachin Taralekar                                          Grade:11th 

                                        8862041055                                                                                            omtaralekar19@gmail.com