Even with the writers and teaching, Japanese writers have written some of the most thrilling books and some of the simplest concepts, becoming the way of life. Think about all the concepts Wabi-Sabi appreciating the beauty of imperfection as an opportunity to grow. or a simple word “Kaizen” meaning continuous improvement, and becoming the concept of one of the leading automobile company from Japan. Or a simple practice of tidying up that distress you.The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.
Recently I Just read the Ikigai and thoroughly enjoyed the book and the concept. “Ikigai” a single word that is a combination of two words “Iki” Meaning life and “Kai” the realization of hope. Making it in simple words ‘A sense of Purpose in life.”
Japan is a country filled with Mysteries, surprises, and awe. That when you get to know about Ogimi village in Japan in Okinawa district is known as the village of longevity with the highest number of Centurions in the world ((People who live a hundred years and above )Ogimi is not just a place in Japan, But,they also have a way of living that the had become the subject of the book “Ikigai” The Japanese Secret to a long and Happy life. Written by Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles.
The Diet of Okinawa the locals follow to lead a healthy life and a long life.
1. Locals eat a wide variety of foods.
2. They eat at least five serving of fruits & vegetables every day ( Rainbow)
30% calories from vegetables.
3. Grains are the foundation of their diet
4. Rarely eat sugar (Cane sugar is the substitute)
7 gms of Salt a day, Compared to 12 gms.
15 Antioxidants part of Japanese diet,We must include in our diet.
1.Tofu
2.Miso
3.Tuna
4.Carrots
5.Goya(Bitter lemon )
6.Kombu(Sea Kelp)
7.Cabbage
8.Nori(Seaweed)
9.Onion
10.Soy sprouts
11.Soybeans ( Boiled or raw )
12.Sweet Potatoes
13.Pepper
14.Sanpin-Cha(Jasmine Tea)
15.Hechima (Cucumber like gourd)
16. Shikuwasa – Is a type of an orange also known as a Taiwan Tangerine mainly found in Taiwan & Okiwana in Japan. It is beneficial as it has a compound Synephrine that enhances lipid metabolism and increases the metabolic rate.
It’s also the way they think that makes them lead a long life.
Their secret to longevity is.
- Don’t worry
- Cultivate good habits
- Nurture friendship everyday
- Live an unhurried life.
- Optimistic
Rules of Ikigai one must follow.
1. Stay active don’t retire
2. Take it slow
3. Don’t fill your stomach (80% rule )
4.Surround yourself with good friends
5. Get in shape for your next Birthday.
6.Smile
7.Reconnect with nature
8. Give thanks
9. Live in the moment
10. Follow your Ikigai
These are some of the concepts and learning from the International bestseller Ikigai that I thought would be worth sharing.
Before I could conclude the blog.
Sun Simiao essayist of the sixth century believed in the six healing sounds for remaining calm.
Xu, pronounced like “shh” with a deep sigh which is associated with liver
He pronounced like “her” with a yawn, which is associated with heart
Si pronounced like “sir” with a slow exhale, which is associated with lungs.
Chui, pronounced like “chwee” with a forceful exhale, which is associated with the kidneys
Hoo pronounced like” who”, which is associated with the spleen
Xi pronounced like “she,” which connects the whole body.
And now the Poem.
In Spring breathe xu for clear eyes and
so wood can aid your liver.
In summer, reach for he, so that heart and fire can be at peace.
In Fall, breathe si to stabilize and gather metal, keeping the lungs moist.
For the kidneys, next, breathe chai and see your inner water calm.
The Triple heaters need your xi to expel all heat and troubles.
In all four seasons, take deep breaths so your spleen can process food.
And, of course, avoid exhaling noisily; don’t even let your own ears hear you.
I often go to coffee shops and sit by myself on a table. But,Whenever I have visited and just sat at a coffee shop,the waiters and service people keep asking me if anyone is coming or for that matter the other people out there wondering if anyone would be coming before they could grab the chairs for their friends or business meets.Go into any Starbucks, and you’ll probably see two kinds of tables: round tables and rectangular tables. There’s a reason for the round tables. According to Reader’s Digest, the round tables are supposed to make you feel more at home when you’re by yourself.Then why do the service people question,When you are by yourself at coffee shops or for that matter restaurants.Why can’t I go to restaurant and occupy a table and have a meal by myself. I mean,Where in The rule book is it written,That you need company to enjoy a meal? I completely understand it’s considered logically that meals are eaten together,But haven’t you heard or experienced teenagers eating meals by themselves when watching television or streaming online websites ?Is it to difficult to accept and welcome people who are loners.Is this a reason why a huge number of people around are preferring to order food online and be socially isolated rather than going out and enjoying a meal at the restaurant or cafe and experience a meal with all their sense being involved ? The Visual appeal,The fragrance,The taste and the feel of the meal with the freshness sizzling around. I completely understand occasionally this would not make sense commercially,But you don’t have to be rude to the one’s who would be having meals by themselves.
