Follow Ikigai: a reason for being ~ Razón de SER

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese term for "a reason for being." In other words, "a reason to get up in the morning" to enjoy life. First, the word ikigai usually is used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. Secondly, the word is used to refer to mental and spiritual circumstances under which individuals feel that their lives are valuable. 

In the culture of Okinawa, where ikigai has its origins, is considered the largest population of centenarians in the world. Could the concept of ikigai (pronounced Ick-ee-guy) contribute to longevity? Other cultures have used this concept with different approaches.

In their book Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles break down the ten rules that can help anyone find their own ikigai.

1. Stay active and don’t retire

2. Leave urgency behind and adopt a slower pace of life

3. Only eat until you are 80 per cent full

4. Surround yourself with good friends

5. Get in shape through daily, gentle exercise

6. Smile and acknowledge people around you

7. Reconnect with nature

8. Give thanks to anything that brightens our day and makes us feel alive.

9. Live in the moment

10. Follow your ikigai

My goal this year is to find WISDOM to enjoy life and follow my ikigai. What is yours?

Sources:

https://medium.com/thrive-global

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai

Ikigai (生 き 甲) es un término japonés para "una razón de ser". En otras palabras, "una razón para levantarse por la mañana" para disfrutar de la vida.

¿Cuál es tu razón de SER?

Maritza Martínez Mejía

Mother, Author, Educator and Translator

Member ANLMI, FWA,SFWA, SCBWI, MCBD Board of Advisors 
FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com

Received Crystal Apple, VCB Poetry, Latino Book Awards, Author’s Talk