What is Ikigai?
Well, “Ikigai” is the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. It is not exactly a secret now though, as we all know.
Stay with me as a lot of what I am going to tell you makes sense.
Who knows it could help you lead a healthier and happier life.
Did you know, you all have IKIGAI and that it is what gets you up in the morning.
You thought it was the alarm clock didn’t you?
Well, IKIGAI is hidden deep inside us all and while some still search for it, others have found it.
The ones who have found it, have everything they need in life for a long happy journey through life.
IKIGAI means roughly translated “The happiness of always being busy” some say it means “The reason for being”
Now I can hear you ask “What has this got to do with nutrition?” well read on and you will see.
Why do some people live way into their late 90’s and early hundreds and some do not?
Well, in some areas of the globe it is normal to live into your 100’s. Healthily and happily.
Take the Five blue zones for example. The blue zones are places of longevity.
Costa Rica/Ikaria Greece/Loma Linda California/Sardinia Italy and Japan.
REALLY, IT IS TRUE!
Ok,we have started with a Japanese word so let’s take a part of Japan, Okinawa based in the south of Japan. Now here is where we could learn a little on staying healthy and bounding into our later years.
They are known to live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else in the world.
HOW?
It is not just down to the purity of the water or the moringa tea drunk, or even the “shikauwasa” fruit that packs a punch in terms of antioxidants, (Although I think that definitely helps) it is, as research has written, down to the uncommon joy that flows from the inhabitants and this guides them through a long and pleasurable journey through life. IKIGAI
In Okinawa they practice teamwork and have a practice of treating everyone like family, even if they have never met you before.
It is obviously not as easy for everyone, for example you have to be careful who you trust, people can take advantage of your good nature.
I know that major illnesses are not cured with a main dish of jolly and a side of happy clapping but having the best tools to work with will help you in the long term.
Now saying that when you have IKIGAI you seem to suffer less illnesses and this is what interests me, suffer less and enjoy enviable amounts of vitality.
YES PLEASE, I WILL TAKE SOME OF THAT!
It is called the 80% secret.
You eat until you are 80% full and stop.
Yep that is a secret (Your welcome) shhhhhhhhhhhh
Of course we can’t be certain of the 80% in terms of accuracy but we can estimate, forget the desert people. It is not needed.
Have a look at how much we have “EVOLVED”
Cave dwellers=Relaxed a fair proportion of the time.
Us=Work most of the time and are constantly alert to threats.
Cave dwellers=Felt stress in real situations and had good reason for the fight or flight response.
Us=Are online or waiting for calls, notifications from mobile phones.
Cave dwellers=Real threats which could end their life.
Us=Our brains associating our notification alert as the threat and predator.
?
So what can I advise?
We know what we are doing wrong and lots of you know how to correct it, maybe coaching and a mutual support group is what you need?
Being accountable makes you try harder!
Why not follow in the footsteps of the Japanese?
The support they have for each other makes for happier habitants so why not for you?
Email me for my 6 week 2018 Package which starts mid January and includes
Weekly coaching calls
Meal plans that are easy to follow
Ideas on foods to make for you and the family
Ways to increase energy and vitality
Skin advice on how to glow in the winter
Detoxing and education on eating the correct foods to stimulate that process
Exercises to do at home/work
Information on the supplementation mine field out there, what to take and what to avoid.
Juices and how to make them fast and easy and above all taste great.
Group support that you can use to gain more confidence and share ideas.
Wouldn’t you like to know what to choose when at work and restaurants.
It is up to you to make the change. I am here if you need help!
Have a great day
Maria x
