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In this episode we're sharing another Japanese secret to living a long and happy life. Ikigai is having something that makes you want to get up in the morning, work hard and makes you happy. The centurions of Okinawa all have ikigai. In Japan people never really retire, there isn’t even a word for retirement in the Japanese language. They keep working or if not employed, stay busy with meaningful activities. The centurions living in Okinawa are no different. They have meaningful, purposeful activities that keep them busy everyday.
Play of the Week: Start each morning with a review of your purpose for the day. Then ask if that daily purpose is serving your larger ikigai. Purpose is often found in serving others. So Look Outward and ask what is needed to make your corner of the community better.
Episode 89: How it all Began
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In this episode we're talking about an idea that contributes to the well being, longevity and happiness of the women of Okinawa: Shikata ga nai, a Japanese concept meaning “it cannot be helped.” Some similar sayings are "roll with the punches," "shake it off" and the musically now infamous “Let it go.” There’s also "adapt or die." That one’s kinda harsh but there’s truth in this idea. Remember the dinosaurs? They were the toughest guys on the planet. But they didn’t adapt and now they’re dead. Adapt or die. Think on that when you’re struggling to flex your acceptance muscle. It’s worth the struggle!
PLAY of the WEEK: Write down shikata ga nai and post it somewhere you'll see it to remind you to accept that somethings cannot be helped and to let them go. Review this idea regularly during the week so that when you feel that frustration of not having something go your way, maybe it’s a test, or a even just missing the green light and having to wait a few minutes longer than planned you can LET IT GO and ACCEPT it.
Boston University School of Public Health Study
KINTSUGI WELLNESS: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit by Candice Kumai.
