Reviewing 'Ikigai' in simple words

I seriously don't know if non-fiction books can be spoiled? If yes, then spoiler-alert!

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Book by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia

I enjoyed this book in Storytel and I came to Storytel through a booktuber named 'Helly'.

'A short review on the app will be down below'

Coming to the book.

The book discusses the lifestyle of Japanese people, their mindset, behavior, and habits that shape their longevity.

Actually, I had heard many good things about the book and there were certain aspects I loved too, but I knew most of them already, through my own research. (because I do find Japanese culture intriguing)

So, I guess I was familiar with what I came across.

The book gives a closeup of the life of people in 'Okinawa'.

The book discusses living for a long, a lot of the time. More than it emphasizes about quality of the life, which I didn't like that much.

The book explains how too much stress might need management and a little bit of it is absolutely necessary. (duh!!)

Logotherapy and Morita therapy was my favorite part. (yay)

And I might be all excited to hear about Morita therapy but coming to understand the meaning, it's actually difficult.

The therapy offers 4 stages, the first of which is the complete absence of any activity. Actually, this did sound similar to 'Vipassana center' I had come across earlier in a youtube video (linking it down below)

So who influenced whom?

An atheist country practicing rituals similar to Buddhist custom.

Anyway, moving on. The book mentions good points about meditation that "one doesn't need to reach a point of no thoughts to meditate". Surprisingly, meditation is an art of simply acknowledging their presence.

The book also talks about food habits.

The Japanese term 'Hara Hachi bu' signifying eat till 80% of the belly is filled is a practice that one should take up for a healthy digestive system.

IGF1 protein is said to be the common problem for aging, whose production can be decreased by fasting.

Herbal tea is a common beverage in Japan. Even their convenience stores are said to have these available instead of sodas. The book gives a view on this concept too.

The book makes the movement of the body, an important part of growth and replenishment and for preventing most ailments.

It gives a view on yoga, taiso-school workout of children in Japan, exercises, etc.

I would have genuinely preferred a video or at least imagery with this, which made me wish I had a hard copy of it.

The book has this amazing phrase that I loved 'Ichi go Ichi e'

Which translates to, 'once in a lifetime only'

That's so true, we all are here, for once. I hope we all make decisions that is all: once in a lifetime stuff.

Overall Rating: 3/5

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PS: The book comes with a pdf (which I somehow couldn't access. I wish I had had audible in these moments alone)

So, if you happen to grab the book. Make sure, it includes it.

Coming to 'Storytel'

I found it amazing. Has similar content to Audible but fewer books of course (sad part)

There is no concept of stupid credits and stuff and you can download numerous numbers of books for just INR 299/-month

That is a way better deal than Audible because Audible only gives you one credit per month at INR 200. (USUAL CASE)

But in the case of StoryTel, your downloaded books won't be yours, once your subscription ends. (Bonus for audible)

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