This… isn’t a BLOG about cultivating reading habits. We all at some point read in our lifetime. Almost every waking moment, we are reading. Some read the written word while others read minds.

This…is about a special book I read…”IKIGAI”.  It is a Japanese term that in layman terms means “FINDING the PURPOSE of YOUR LIFE”.

This…is neither a Blog on the book NOR A MARKETING ATTEMPT to induce readers into buying this book.  IT IS ABOUT SHARING MY PERSPECTIVE, MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS and finally DISCOVERY OF MY OWN IKIGAI. So, it is more of personal introspection into myself as an individual where I am sure you all will connect…somewhere…as you read through.

WE have come into this world as an aftermath of a biological process and evolution. WE transpire through the biological process that the creator has defined perfectly for us. In other words – we are Born to Live and end up with DEATH. Be BORN, LIVE and DIE.  It is this LIVE in between the B and D THAT WE NEED TO C.

IN BETWEEN ALL THESE YEARS OF LIVE, we have routine to follow, a routine that is a result of culture, society, religion, and all of these. A Routine Life we are all LIVING.  It begins with INFANCY >> SCHOOL >> DEGREES >> JOBS >> PARENTHOOD >> ELDERLY LIFE and we end with a neat Rest In Peace.  This last sentence means that we significantly are engaged with earning a livelihood, making sure we Rest in Peace.  BUT IS THIS REALLY resulting in us Resting In Peace?

WE ALL HAVE ONE QUESTION LINGERING IN OUR MINDS: ARE WE HAPPY? DO WE EVER ASK – WHY AM I HERE ON EARTH? WHAT IS MY PURPOSE? AM I DOING WHAT I LIKE OR AM I JUST SURVIVING FOR ANOTHER DAY?

We ALL ARE Born with unique thoughts and desires, wants and so on.  It is when Need takes over Wants..where the routine life cycle begins. 

Sooner we discover our EXISTENCE, our PURPOSE, our PASSION – we would genuinely begin living happily.  And when we live happily we live healthier and we LIVE Longer.

NO ONE ELSE can figure out what is one’s burning desire to live.  Passion to live or do something cannot be borrowed. It is within us. Everyone of us has one.

I have been hiking since the past 15 years. Started marathon cycling 3 years back. Would love to learn playing the Guitar – which I am procrastinating… and so on.  Doing so, I am also working to etch out a decent living and to prepare for my battle with old age.  I always thought I am businer… and I am happy.

Indeed, I am also looking for my “IKIGAI”. The hidden treasure of finding that one thing, which makes me happier. As I was going through each chapter of this book, I began making my list and notes of things that make me happier.

I am sure you all have similar thoughts. You all have some hidden passion, some hidden desire, which when turns into a habit or passion, can make you love your life more than what you do.  DO REMEMBER though... IKIGAI is still a possibility while flowing through the standard modalities of earning a living and fulfilling responsibilities. IKIGAI and responsible living are not mutually exclusive.

IKIGAI, the book by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles has enabled me to begin my search process…for my IKIGAI. I wish it is read by everyone who is in pursuit of happiness and looking for a happy life…how long…depends on how being Happy integrates with how Healthy you keep….CHEERS!

Image Courtesy: Success.com

Reference: IKIGAI - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Hector Garcia, Francesc Miralles | 3 Okinawan Secrets to a Long Life: 1) Ikigai 2) Moai 3) Hara Hachi Bu — Huh? by Kathleen Coxwell