Mary Ann
You may or may not have heard of Ikigai. The word has been showing up in the news recently. Ikigai is Japanese for a reason to live. It is about purpose. As retired people, it is sometimes hard for us to give up our purpose which for the most part was our work. It is our identity. That is why some people cannot stop working. The Japanese do not have a word for retirement. They plan on being busy for their whole lives, living with purpose. It seems to keep them living long lives.
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles in their book, Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life studied how Japanese who live in Okinawa, a Blue Zone community, live. There, individuals live into their 90s and many well into their 100s. What were these people doing to live long healthy lives? Their lives had meaning because they have purpose, Ikigai. Garcia and Miralles interviewed a hundred residents that resulted in five areas that enhanced aging. They included: don’t worry; cultivate good habits of eating, sleeping, and exercising; nurture friendships every day; live an unhurried life; and be optimistic. One person said, “The secret to a long life is going to bed early, waking up early, and going for a walk. Living peacefully and enjoying the little things. Getting along with your friends. Spring, summer, fall, winter…enjoying each season, happily.” The little book is full of many ideas for living a good life!
The book ends with The Ten Rules of Ikigai:
- Stay active; don’t retire
- Take it slow
- Don’t fill your stomach
- Surround yourself with good friends
- Get in shape for your next birthday
- Smile
- Reconnect with nature
- Give thanks
- Live in the moment
- Follow Your Ikigai
Each of us has a passion or talent that we know and maybe one yet to be discovered. That can be your Ikigai. It does not have to be a full-time job. When I retired, it was hard for me to not be productive every day. For 40 years I was doing all the time, and I just couldn’t get that out of my head. I felt guilty if I took time to read or sit outside enjoying the sunshine, just being. I thought I had prepared well for retirement. I had made plans to keep myself busy. However, I was still worrying about productivity. I just couldn’t let it go.
After reading this little book and studying Ikigai, I realize you don’t have to be productive in the traditional sense. It is about being busy with things that inspire you and nurture your soul. It may mean knitting or reading or cooking or gardening or crafting or volunteering or writing a blog. You make your own Ikigai. You bring meaning and purpose to your own life on your own terms. Now, go find exactly what that is and enjoy the unfolding of your days as you discover your Ikigai!
Silver Sage Sisters 