Ikigai: what principles and techniques the Japanese use to live to be 100 years old

Ikigai is a Japanese philosophical concept based on the search for personal purpose, which allows one to find meaning and joy in life. Eastern sages were able to build such a system of values, where every action, step, work, hobby bring maximum satisfaction.

Also at the heart of the worldview of ikigai is the concept of awareness. Only by immersing oneself and finding answers to the questions of who you are and how you can be useful to the world, one can find peace of mind and happiness.

According to this philosophy, a person accepts himself, his abilities, finds something to his liking and finds serenity. Every day, from the very early morning he feels happy, because he knows what he will do and what fruits his labor will bring. And, as we know, a positive emotional state has a beneficial effect not only on mental health, but also on the state in general.

Here we can see a close correlation between Japanese philosophy and the indicators of longevity among the Japanese. The less a person depresses and worries himself, the easier he copes with negative external influences. His emotional resource is not wasted.

It is interesting that the definition of “ikigai” appeared in existential psychology only in the XIX century. The first who decided to dig into the topic of the meaning of life in the Japanese way was the European theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Gradually, the concept went to the masses, it began to be interpreted in different ways. In many ways, the idea has suffered from this, as ikigai has come to be viewed in a one-sided way – only as a way to find an optimal source of income. In fact, everything is much deeper, broader and more interesting.

We asked psychologist Stanislav Sambursky to discuss the meaning and benefits of ikigai .

Business and clinical psychologist

Ikigai is largely based on self-knowledge. That is, the main task for a person is to understand what really brings him pleasure and helps him to find inner harmony. For one person it may be a certain hobby, for another – work, for a third – caring for loved ones. When a person fulfills the tasks set before him, it should bring a feeling of happiness. This is only possible if he does what he enjoys doing.

How does ikigai help to become happy?

So, let’s say you’re working at a job you don’t like. How would you feel about an offer to stay late at the office? Now let’s imagine that you’re doing something you really enjoy. In this case, the extra hours of labor will only be a joy. Wouldn’t you agree?

Many people believe that ikigai is the key to the hard work of the Japanese. Overworking is the norm for them. Of course, there’s also their innate unwillingness to slip up and the hierarchy of society. But still… To endure up to 80 extra working hours a month… It clearly takes something other than fear of losing your job and status.

Most Japanese are working exactly where they dreamed they’d be. They start making plans for the future literally from their teenage years, from elementary school.

By the way, one of the most famous research works about ikigai is a book by Mieko Kamiya. The main idea of the publication is that a person should see the meaning of the work performed and feel that the environment needs him.

How does happiness contribute to longevity?

The correlation between satisfaction with one’s life and the possibility of living to 100 years is constantly being studied. One such study was conducted by scientists from University College London in 2002. The results were published in the journal BMJ.

Since 2002, scientists have monitored the health of ten thousand Britons. The subjects were taken at the age of more than 50 years. For 14 years followed them. The results showed that in 24% of cases less died those who were satisfied with their lives and experienced happiness. But to establish exactly why this happens, scientists have not been able to.

Psychologists also note that the feeling of happiness helps to prolong life.

Stanislav Sambursky: The Japanese are long-lived. This is really true. Their average life expectancy is 89 years. It is believed that it is ikigai that contributes to this. In particular, the observations of researcher and writer Dan Buettner confirm these conclusions. He has repeatedly visited Japan and noted that the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa – one of the happiest long-livers.

However, this is not a one-sided view. In the list of principles of life of long-livers Dan Buettner also pointed to the lifestyle in general, and the specifics of nutrition.

But, of course, the importance of ikigai is very high. This philosophy helps to learn how to prevent stress and depression. This also has a positive effect on human health, because a significant proportion of modern diseases have a neuralgic basis.

So, finding what will truly delight and fulfill you is the essence of ikigai. However, we mentioned above that (like everything in the Japanese) the concept is much broader and multifaceted. What else is included in the ikigai system of life?

10 principles of life “according to ikigai”

1. Self-control and calmness

Ikigai encourages you to remain confident even in the most difficult situations. It helps you avoid emotional outbursts and make rational decisions.

2. Understanding of yourself and others

Willingness and ability to find compromises and common ground are options that help avoid conflicts and build harmonious relationships with others.

3. Respect for traditions

Careful attitude to traditions and culture allows you to keep in touch with the past and helps you find your place in the world. This can also include constant learning and teaching.

4. Spiritual practice

Those who practice meditation and other spiritual practices will be able to find inner harmony and peace.

5. A reverent attitude toward nature

Ancient philosophy instills a love of nature and the environment. For the Japanese, all of these are a source of life and inspiration.

6. Keeping active

Age should not be a hindrance to personal development. It is important to constantly learn and improve. Find new hobbies and hobbies. After all, it is unknown where you can find happiness and find pleasure in the process.

7. Life without hurry

The Japanese believe that excessive speed brings stress and reduces the quality of life. It is worth learning to prioritize and not chase after imaginary success.

8. Moderate diet

People to find happiness should reconsider their diet and learn to eat in moderation. Exactly as much as your body requires. Gluttony and eating problems does not lead to anything good – the Japanese believe.

9. Keeping fit and smiling

Philosophy teaches you to watch your external and internal state. Active lifestyle, especially in old age, can help in the production of endorphins – the very hormones of happiness. And you can lift your mood with the simplest way – a smile.

10. Gratitude

Ikigai encourages saying words of gratitude for literally anything and everything. Whether it’s buying a house, getting a new job, or just taking a simple walk with the kids. This is how people learn to appreciate what they have.

Another important principle is the “small steps” theory. The philosophy urges not to be afraid to start a big endeavor, as you can break it down into several tiny ones. This way it will be easier to start the movement.

Ikigai methodology

What is the question that comes up for literally everyone who has read about ikigai and decided to take the recommended path? Yes, it is this one: “How do I figure out what exactly makes me happy?”. It is especially difficult for those who are used to doing unloved activities since early childhood.

Psychologists advise to start by listening to your own desires. If the inner voice is still very weak, you can try special techniques.

Three techniques from psychologists

1. Unleash your creativity

To begin with, sit down and think about what interests you most of all, to what your soul lies and the fulfillment of which cases brings maximum satisfaction and takes a small amount of time.

You can take a pen and write down all the positive qualities you find in yourself. Remember what you were praised for in childhood, what colleagues, acquaintances, teachers paid attention to. Do not limit your imagination, write about everything that comes to mind.

After writing down your achievements and positive character traits, identify three main qualities that are important and without which you cannot do without. They will be fundamental to your future path of choosing a career of your choice.

2- Refer back to your childhood dreams

Remember how great our dreams were when we were children. No one and above all we did not limit ourselves in the flight and choice of profession. Specialists advise you to go back to your memories and again write down plans and dreams from the past.

Throw five to seven hobbies that remained unrealized. Compare them to the present – are these hobbies really important and useful now. Remember how your loved ones felt about your desires. Think about how you can return to them now, what you need to do to realize your dreams.

3 Identify what inspires you now

Another important practical exercise that will help you find inner harmony will be to write down the things that energize you, inspire you. Things that you set yourself as an example.

Perhaps you are motivated and causes respect legal work, cooking. Draw a table or chart of what you need to do to succeed in this industry. A clear example will be very helpful and will spur you into action.

Now you have a time-tested philosophical concept at your fingertips. Is it possible not to become happy with these tools in hand? Alas, yes. The whole point is that the road will be traveled by the one who walks it. It is necessary not just to know and be inspired, but to act. If you are afraid, just remember one of the principles of ikigai – the art of small steps.