Publishers Weekly
10/31/2022
In this insightful manual, neuroscientist Mogi (Awakening Your Ikigai) encourages readers to embrace the Japanese concept of nagomi, or a “state of human consciousness characterized by a sense of ease, emotional balance, well-being, and calmness.” He provides recommendations on how to achieve this state and explains that self-esteem plays a crucial role because it’s needed to weather life’s difficulties, though he cautions readers against becoming too self-confident at risk of losing one’s humility. Mogi also warns against judging oneself in relation to others and urges readers to accept the limits of one’s circumstances and abilities, holding up karaoke as an example of how to have a good time without worrying about one’s skills. To achieve “nagomi of society,” Mogi posits that one must consider everyone involved when making decisions, illustrating how to do so with the example of Japanese businessman Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the “Father of Japan’s capitalism,” who insisted on achieving harmony between “ethics and profits.” There are some dubious generalizations (“Whenever something new springs up in the Japanese cultural scene, it happens in a relaxed way”), but the emphasis on harmony and balance over self-improvement makes for a fresh complement to conventional self-help fare. Wisdom abounds in this sage outing. (Jan.)
Spirituality & Health
"Neuroscientist and author Ken Mogi shares ways to practice nagomi, a Japanese concept of balance."
The New York Times Book Review
"Praise for Awakening Your Ikigai
"Awakening Your Ikigai is really quite a delightful look at sometimes mystifying Japanese traditions."
Books for Better Living
"A must-read."
MyDomaine
"When Ikigai is practiced and present in life, it holds the potential to dissipate stress, ease anxiety, and help you find the purpose to ‘wake up to joy’ every day. Who wouldn’t want that?"
Well + Good
"Tapping into that sunrise magic is as simple as creating habits that reflect your ‘ikigai.’"
Bustle
"Ikigai is an additional item you can add to your self-care toolbox."
From the Publisher
Insightful. . . . The emphasis on harmony and balance over self-improvement makes for a fresh complement to conventional self-help fare. Wisdom abounds in this sage outing.”—Publishers Weekly “Neuroscientist and author Ken Mogi shares ways to practice nagomi, a Japanese concept of balance.”—Spirituality & HealthPraise for Awakening Your Ikigai “Awakening Your Ikigai is really quite a delightful look at sometimes mystifying Japanese traditions.”—The New York Times Book Review “Tapping into that sunrise magic is as simple as creating habits that reflect your ‘ikigai.’”—Well + Good “Ikigai is an additional item you can add to your self-care toolbox.”—Bustle “When Ikigai is practiced and present in life, it holds the potential to dissipate stress, ease anxiety, and help you find the purpose to ‘wake up to joy’ every day. Who wouldn’t want that?”—MyDomaine “A must-read.”—Books for Better Living
