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Suggested Reading
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that states that everybody has a reason for living. The authors studied the longevity on one Japanese island (Okinawa) to see what sets apart the people there from other communities. Having the strongest ikigai, or the place where passion, mission, vocation, and professional work intersect, makes a huge difference. In other words, it's important to have a reason to wake up in the morning. Okinawa is part of five world blue zones, or places where the authors say people live longer. Other key areas are Sardinia; Italy; Loma Linda, California; the Nicoya Peninsula; Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece.
Dietary and health habits also have a huge affect on longevity. In addition to drinking a lot of green tea, the Japanese believe in concluding their meals when they're 80 percent full. After interviewing a number of individuals in the community, the authors identified the following keys to longevity: minimizing worry, cultivating good habits, nurturing friendships every day, living an unhurried life, being optimistic and, most important, being passionate about something or nurturing one's
ikigai.
This is one of the most poetic and inspiring books I've read in a long time. Highly recommended!
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