Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia

Tea is always a good idea during winters. And for me, teatime is always a chance to slow down, sit back and appreciate my surroundings. So, as we begin a new year, I recommend that we all get ourselves a cup of tea and flip the pages of our life to try and discover our ikigai – because this book opened up a whole new dimension for me!

The Japanese believe that everyone has an Ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed each morning. According to the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa – the world’s longest-living people – finding your Ikigai is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life. Having a clear Ikigai brings satisfaction, happiness and meaning to lives.

At its  core, Ikigai is the union of four fundamental components of life: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Ultimate destination is finding that which you love, which the world needs and is willing to pay for, and which you are good at.

One of the goals and pillars upon which ikigai stands is recognizing and experiencing joy in little things. Central to this is the search for mindfulness and curiosity in all that we do. Whether it is working on a spreadsheet or enjoying a cup of tea, Ikigai and a sense of flow are always present.  You will soon realize that nothing is mundane – and that we can find pleasure in the simplest of things.

Inspiring and comforting, I hope this book will help you uncover your personal Ikigai. It will show you how to leave urgency behind, find your purpose, nurture friendships, and throw yourself into your passions.

Here are some of my simple learnings from this book:

• Do kind things for other people – shift your perspective to thinking about others more than yourself.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation – even a small investment in time and effort can have positive rewards.
• Spend more time with family and friends – cultivating and strengthening relationships is crucial to happiness and wellbeing.
• Identify and set goals – setting and working towards clear goals can boost motivation.