Ikigai: My Companion in a Spiritual Journey

Last Updated: April 07, 2025

By: Narayan Mourya

Rating: 4.8/5

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I am sharing with you my experience with book Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Happy Life as I embark into a spiritual journey.

As I am traveling through some of the spiritual places of Asia, I packed a few books with me as my travel companion as I always do. This time in one of the reads in my backpack was Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Happy Life. 

This book fulfilled my desire to find meaning and purpose of a journey as I explored how people in Japan embrace continuous activity instead of retiring. The concept of ikigai, or reason for being, resonated with me as I pictured individuals waking up each morning with a clear purpose in mind.

Here is the breakdown of my experience as I delved into this book while embarking into my spiritual journey:

Fill Only Eighty Percent

It’s fascinating how “Hara hachi bu” teaches stopping at 80 percent fullness, reminding me of simpler times when we listened to our bodies rather than rushing through meals. I realized that remaining active, keeping strong social ties, and savoring daily routines could be key not just to longevity but to genuine contentment. The points on diet and movement struck a chord with how I perceive balanced living.

What I found most inspiring, though, was the idea of building supportive circles, like the Okinawan moai, where members look after one another. While moving from one city to another, I often notice how communities can shape a person’s outlook, and the text highlighted this by showing that real friendships and cooperative spirit can lead to better health outcomes and a sense of fulfillment. 

Even as a traveler, the reminder that a clear purpose brings joy to every day encouraged me to think about what drives me forward. This short reading felt like a gentle push toward valuing shared experiences and mindful habits, which I plan to carry with me on the rest of my journey.

Age is Not Just a Number

With this part about aging’s “escape velocity”, I was also intrigued by how this section emphasizes that a strong mind keeps the body youthful, hinting that continuous mental exercise and stepping away from routines could be vital in keeping us sharp for longer. 

The portrayal of chasing a rabbit that moves further away each year struck me as both fascinating and a bit surreal. It made me think of how fast technology is evolving, and whether it might someday help us outrun the natural process of aging. 

The idea of imagining time and technology in this playful, thought-provoking way added a spark of excitement to my travel hours.

I particularly enjoyed the section on handling stress and preserving a youthful mindset. Reading about how a little stress can be beneficial, while too much can speed up aging, reminded me of those frantic moments we all face, whether at work or on the road. It also felt comforting to learn that staying engaged, through social connections, new experiences, or simply challenging our brains, can help maintain our health and optimism. 

Each time I read a passage describing how communities thrive by supporting one another, I was reminded that real connections and daily curiosity might be just as important for our well-being as diet or exercise. It was a grounding message that I plan to keep close during the rest of my journey.

Sense of Life with a Purpose

Reading through the differences between psychoanalysis and logotherapy made me reflect on how powerfully a sense of purpose can guide our lives. I was struck by the idea that it’s not enough to unravel old memories, we need to look forward and find a meaningful reason to keep going. Seeing how Frankl encouraged his patients to identify their personal “why” resonated with me, because it highlights the power of choice in the face of adversity. 

It was also comforting to learn that frustration isn’t automatically a sign of mental illness, but rather a possible signpost that we’re craving deeper meaning in our everyday routines.

It was helpful to see how Morita therapy shifts attention from trying to control emotions to simply letting them pass and choosing purposeful actions instead. The example of the donkey tied to a post showed me how we can get stuck in negative cycles when we focus too hard on escaping uncomfortable thoughts. 

By acknowledging our feelings without clinging to them, and channeling energy into meaningful tasks, we can find a healthier perspective on our challenges. This approach felt refreshing, especially the idea that we don’t need to wait for perfect conditions or the absence of anxiety before we move forward. Sometimes, just acting on our goals can spark the momentum we need.

Flow and Immersion

Reading about the concept of being “completely immersed” in a task reminded me of those moments when time just disappears. The text highlighted how skiing down a slope, lost in the joy of movement, can mirror any pursuit done with total focus. 

It was fascinating to see how “flow” isn’t only for creative types or athletes, it applies to daily tasks too, as long as we align challenges with our abilities. The contrast between a tedious chore and a joy-filled activity stood out to me because it showed that the difference lies in how much we care about and concentrate on what we’re doing. 

Even the idea of a microflow, turning routine tasks into mini victories, brought a fresh perspective on how we can find small pockets of happiness in our busy schedules.

This section explained about using rituals as a way to tap into flow rather than being overwhelmed by a massive endpoint. That idea stayed with me: focusing on the process, step by step, can be more energizing than constantly worrying about the finish line. 

It made sense that the happiest people aren’t always the ones who achieve the most, but rather those who spend more time in that state of immersion. By breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and turning off distractions whenever possible, we stand a better chance of hitting that sweet spot where effort meets enjoyment. It was a simple reminder that consistency and mindfulness in our rituals can lead us closer to what truly energizes us inside.

Living Longest with a Mission

Reading about these individuals who have surpassed 110 years left me with a sense of awe. Their simple insights, like “eat and sleep,” or “keep your mind and body busy,” felt both powerful and down-to-earth. I was especially intrigued by how some credited their longevity to avoiding meat or never retiring from work, reminders that a long life can be tied to the small choices we make every day. It was  also highlighted that a common thread among these supercentenarians is curiosity, resilience, and the ability to find something worth waking up for. 

What impressed me most was how many of these long-lived individuals continued creating, working, or finding new goals long after they could have stopped. Whether it was a world-renowned painter still producing art or someone dancing well past their hundredth birthday, their lives seemed propelled by a clear sense of meaning. 

I realized that holding onto a mission, any mission, really, might be a key reason to stay active, engaged, and hopeful. It made me think that maybe living a purposeful life doesn’t just add years; it adds lightness and strength to every single day.

Celebrating Life

Reading about Ogimi’s relaxed, communal lifestyle struck me as both peaceful and full of purpose. The people there seem to welcome each day with open arms, up early, tending their gardens, and then going off to share moments with friends. I noticed how they’re never in a rush, yet always active, which felt refreshing in a world that usually values speed over serenity. 

Their idea of celebrating small things, from birthdays to gateball games, shows that a cheerful outlook might be an essential piece of keeping mind and body young. Even the local traditions like praying at the butsudan or honoring the bunagaya spirits gave me a glimpse into a culture that finds beauty and meaning in daily rituals rather than in grand gestures.

The interviews, especially the simple advice like “don’t worry” and “keep your fingers busy,” made me think that living a long, happy life may be less about grand achievements and more about kindness, optimism, and shared experiences. Everyone in the text seemed driven by an ikigai, yet they carried it lightly, smiling and leaning on one another when needed. 

Knowing that these small habits, from planting vegetables to singing with neighbors, can keep you vibrant at ninety or a hundred years old was heartening. It reminded me that staying open to others and taking pleasure in each season might be all the motivation we need to carry on with joy.

What  people of Okinawa eat and drink?

Learning about Okinawa’s hara hachi bu, stopping before you’re completely full, made me rethink my own eating habits. The idea is so straightforward yet sounds very effective, especially since it reflects a broader approach to staying healthy without feeling obsessed with food. 

I liked how this section explained that being mindful of each bite and stopping just short of total satisfaction can lighten the body’s workload. That reminder to eat more fruits, vegetables, and smaller portions gave me a simple way to make better choices in my day-to-day routine.

I was also struck by how the Okinawan diet emphasizes many colors on the plate, almost like painting a rainbow with your meal. The mention of shikuwasa juice, green tea, and the importance of gentle calorie restriction reinforced that it’s not just about living longer, but enjoying each bite. Even little changes, like swapping out refined sugar or trying more fish, might be easier than I thought. This reading left me energized, excited to explore new ingredients in my own meals, and reminded me to embrace gradual improvements for a happier, healthier life.

Yoga and Eastern Exercises

Knowing about these gentle Eastern exercises made me realize how much our daily movement shapes our overall health. The text kept reminding me that you don’t need intense workouts or a gym membership to stay active, simple routines, like going for short walks, stretching, or doing radio taiso, can create real change.

 It resonated with me that people in places like Ogimi move spontaneously, weeding gardens or dancing with neighbors, never letting their bodies become idle. Even a brief set of morning exercises can help us wake up more fully and embrace the day with a clear head and relaxed muscles.

I was also fascinated by how yoga, tai chi, and qigong aim for unity between the mind and body. The idea of harnessing energy, especially through something as accessible as tai chi’s slow motions or yoga’s Sun Salutation, made me eager to try them. I liked that each of these disciplines not only offers physical benefits but can also calm the mind and reduce daily stress. 

Reading through the step-by-step exercises reminded me that even in the middle of a busy schedule, we can return to the basics: a quiet breath, a gentle stretch, and a steady sense of balance.

Accepting the Good and the Bad in Life

This chapter about resilience, especially through lenses like Stoicism and Buddhism, made me realize how powerful it can be to accept both the good and the bad in life. It emphasized not running away from challenging emotions but learning how to soften their impact. 

Imagining worst-case scenarios or simply acknowledging the impermanence of things might feel uncomfortable at first, yet it can give us a sense of steady calm. I appreciated how the examples showed that living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the future; it means not letting the unknown drag us down. It felt liberating to see negative emotions as waves we can observe and let pass, rather than letting them control us.

I was also inspired by the idea of going beyond resilience into antifragility, using setbacks as springboards for growth. This section gave clear strategies for diversifying different parts of life, from finances to friendships, so that when obstacles appear, we’re not toppled over. There was something refreshing in the message that unexpected challenges can even lead us to discover stronger versions of ourselves. 

It reminded me of that Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, and that each new difficulty might just be another layer of character added to who we are.

Final Thoughts

In the end, I must thank Héctor García and Francesc Miralles for writing this masterpiece. As I drive through the roads, or hike the trails of hills and mountains or simply walk through peaceful forests, the words of this book resonate in my mind. 

Like every human being, I am also longing to find the purpose of my life, that Ikigai which would define me. I am on a journey right now, I hope this journey or the next, one of them will lead me to discover that secret to a happy life. 

About Reader

Narayan Mourya is a storyteller and travel enthusiast. He had degrees in Economics and Physics that blend analytical and scientific perspectives in his work. A passionate traveler and avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction, he draws inspiration from diverse cultures and literature, enriching his storytelling. His stories focus on mindfulness and spirituality, offering reflective narratives that explore the human experience and the intersection of the material and metaphysical. Combining his eclectic interests, economics, physics, travel, reading, and storytelling, Narayan’s writing inspires readers to seek wisdom and deeper life understanding.