Ikigai : and the Art of Keeping Your Dreams Alive

by Maya Thoresen

Do you ever have those days when life feels a little bleak and meaningless?

Have you ever wondered whether you want to continue doing what you’re doing for the rest of your life?

Where do you see yourself in your golden years… And will they really be “golden”?

If you are searching for more purpose, clarity, and motivation, the Japanese concept of ikigai offers a simple and powerful way to reconnect with what truly matters.

"This book was very insightful in an easy-to-understand way. It helps you to appreciate each day and understand the meaning of ikigai. I would recommend this book to others." - Lindsay Bice

Ikigai is a long-held Japanese philosophy that combines the art of enjoying life to its fullest and the science of living longer. Considered by many to be “the art of staying busy” or “the joy of having purpose,” this broad concept has been credited with helping people live longer, fuller lives.

In Ikigai and the Art of Keeping Your Dreams Alive, Maya Thoresen explores the concept of ikigai and how you can apply it to your life. With a series of easy-to-follow exercises, Thoresen invites readers of all ages to consider how they can not only extend their lives but enjoy them more fully as well.

If you have ever

What is the meaning of my life?What can I do to enjoy my life more?What does it take to live life to the fullest?
Then you might want to start answering those questions today with the exercises provided in Ikigai and the Art of Keeping Your Dreams Alive by Maya Thoresen.

Not only will you learn what Ikigai is and the concepts it includes, but you’ll also have the opportunity to reflect and apply them. The guided exercises in each chapter will help you focus on what’s important to you and help you gain clarity and insight into your own reason for living.

In this fast-paced world, where mental health and physical well-being are challenged by burnout, information overload, and everyday busyness, Ikigai and the Art of Keeping Your Dreams Alive is a welcome oasis where readers can learn more about themselves and the life they hope to lead.

"This was a very detailed self-evaluation book. If you are looking to start transitioning yourself to a better person, then this is the book to get. Not only does it tell you what you should do, but it also tells you how to do it. What I love most about the book is it will walk you through with realistic expectations. It’s not just a must-read book, it’s a book that you should read with great intention." - Jonell

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

Maya Thoresen is a Scandinavian lifestyle coach. She immigrated to the United States when she was twenty and was stunned by the hectic way of life that many Americans practiced, as well as the high rates of suicide, depression, heart disease, and other stress-related illnesses. She now works as a writer and mentor, helping people make their lives both simpler and richer at the same time. She has written books on Hygge and Lagom to reach people who are caught up in the hustle of commercialized life and who have forgotten to enjoy the simpler moments.

Reviews

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently listened to Ikigai and the Art of Keeping Your Dreams Alive by Maya Thoresen, and it was a refreshing, quick listen. Thoresen dives into the Japanese concept of ikigai—a philosophy that brings together the joy of living with a sense of purpose, a combination credited with helping people live longer, more fulfilling lives.

I enjoyed how the author guides you a series of reflective exercises, asking questions that nudges you to think deeply about your own life and purpose. Each question feels like a gentle prompt to assess what you truly want from life, rather than what others expect. Thoresen encourages you to be honest with yourself, to explore how you feel about certain situations, and to tune out external opinions that don’t align with your own self-worth. This book made me consider not only how to live a longer life but how to enjoy each moment more fully.

One thing I’d recommend is to listen to this book over a few days rather than all at once. There’s a lot to take in.

For anyone looking to reconnect with their passions or find a renewed sense of purpose, this a good resource

[Lindsay Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

This book was very insightful in an easy to understand way. In little ways, you can change your perspective and become fully engaged in your life. I really enjoyed this book because I started this journey a few years ago, not knowing it was what I was doing. Just as this book describes, your mental, emotional and physical health all intertwined. This book also helps you see that work is only a small part of your life and doesn’t have to be your Ikigai. Nir does your Ikigai need to stay the same throughout your journey. This book will help you understand the meaning of you. To appreciate each day. I would recommend this book to others and I will definitely be reading it again!

[Hal · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find a lot out there on the subject and concept of Ikigai. This is another good one. The Japanese have a way of zeroing in on important things that matter in life and this one of the biggest. Being that reason for being alive and pursuing what you love. The topic is covered in many phases here and the questions it poses are thoughtful and meaningful to anyone who will really delve into this meaningful topic, A good time well spent.

[Hailey Greenwald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I did not know what Ikigai was before I read this book. I feel like I learned a lot not just about Ikigai, but about myself as well. I found the exercises in this book to be very therapeutic. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to take a closer look at themselves.

[Destany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

As someone who doesn’t normally enjoy self-help books I did enjoy reading this one. It was very informative and provided wonderful insight on living life in a more holistic manner.