Gone with the Flow




I have never been into ismis or gurus of any kind but Ikigai hit the nerv. This Japanese word means meaning of life, reason to live for. Japanese, especially those living in Okinawa, are the champions of longevity. Corner stones of Ikigai are:

1. Fill you stomach only 80 % full.
2. Have a rich social life. Smile.
3. Exercise lightly but constantly, because like water, body is at it's best when moving.
4. Stay active, never retire.
5. Take it slow.
6. Never give up.
7. Reconnect with the nature.
8. Be thankful and give thanks.
9. Live in the moment.
And above all:
10. Find you flow, your ikigai.

Flow is something that makes time to disappear, it immerses you. It didn't take long to figure out my ikigai since crafts have always been my thing. I might crochet, knit, paint, or sew for hours giving no attention to my surroundings. In the future I might become a takumi, artisan who has polished her skills to the highest level. In Japan they are very respected. In many companies, like at Toyota, they are integral part of production.

Flow can be beyond your comfort zone or just a mundane task. The most important aspect of it is that it makes your life happier.
#happiness #ikigai

Héctor GarcÌa and Francesc Miralles: Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (Hutchinson, London 2017)

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