(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. I am writing this month on activities that keep me refreshed during these depressing days. It's Day 9 today.)
A suggestion that came up on my Kindle last month was a book Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. The Japanese are known for their high life expectancy. The nation also has a large number of centenarians, especially in the southern island of Okinawa.
I have never heard of this Japanese term, so I downloaded a sample of the book. Since it was interesting, I bought the book. I am more than half-way through it.
I am not enamoured by this focus on long life. Because there is no point in living many, many years if we aren't healthy. I would rather prefer to have a happy life, which I guess, might lead to a healthy life, and ultimately a long life.
According to the book, Ikigai is one of the keys to a long life; the others being diet, exercise and strong social ties. So, Ikigai is only a part of this book. Practising Ikigai is all about finding what excites us, focusing on it, and thereby realising our full potential. The book talks of certain tools to practise it.
Well, have I started on it? I must say I have begun taking baby steps. Why not ... There is always scope to improve our lifestyle. I have often felt I need to be more focussed, organized and do less multitasking.
Course correction never happens overnight; it's a long-drawn-out process. The ample time and energy during the enforced home confinement have provided me with an opportunity to embark on it.
A suggestion that came up on my Kindle last month was a book Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. The Japanese are known for their high life expectancy. The nation also has a large number of centenarians, especially in the southern island of Okinawa.I have never heard of this Japanese term, so I downloaded a sample of the book. Since it was interesting, I bought the book. I am more than half-way through it.
I am not enamoured by this focus on long life. Because there is no point in living many, many years if we aren't healthy. I would rather prefer to have a happy life, which I guess, might lead to a healthy life, and ultimately a long life.
According to the book, Ikigai is one of the keys to a long life; the others being diet, exercise and strong social ties. So, Ikigai is only a part of this book. Practising Ikigai is all about finding what excites us, focusing on it, and thereby realising our full potential. The book talks of certain tools to practise it.
Well, have I started on it? I must say I have begun taking baby steps. Why not ... There is always scope to improve our lifestyle. I have often felt I need to be more focussed, organized and do less multitasking.
Course correction never happens overnight; it's a long-drawn-out process. The ample time and energy during the enforced home confinement have provided me with an opportunity to embark on it.