Less is More by Caroline Graves Lowe

Recently I was browsing the “New Releases” section on Netflix, and one show in particular caught my eye: “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. The mini docuseries follows explorer, author, and researcher, Dan Buettner, around the world to 5 different areas called the Blue Zones. These areas possess a concentrated population of centenarians (those who have lived 100+ years). The beautiful common denominator to these “blue zones” is that the people don’t just live longer, they report living happier and healthier lives. But how? In America we generally see a vast decline in the health of our elderly population, especially in those over the age of 85, so how are these communities maintaining a high vitality and quality of life throughout their lifespan? Beuttner’s research and findings suggest several pillars of vitality among these populations, such as: eating wisely, moving naturally (not relying on convenience to efficiently move), maintaining deep family and social connection, and fostering an outlook on life that is meaningful and purpose-driven. These findings suggest that a full life is less dependent on staying busy and always doing, and more dependent on maintaining a well-paced and intentional lifestyle. Less is more. 

Observing the lifestyles of those featured in this series, I was encouraged by what they “had”. These people did not necessarily have all the luxuries and conveniences of the world–none of them relied on elevators, cars, or manufacturers to maintain a quality of life, but what they did have was what is called “Ikigai”. Ikigai is a Japanese ideal which points to that which gives your life worth, meaning and purpose, or as some may say “your reason for being”. Ikigai points to the connection between our physical well being relying on emotional-mental wellness and our sense of purpose in life. In our western culture there has been a shift in narrowing down what may fall into your Ikigai category, the four questions you can ask are: What do I love? What am I good at? What does the world need? What can I get paid for? It is important to note, that these questions are ones that often bobble around in our heads as we go through life searching for meaning, but ikigai places emphasis on the importance of the journey rather than the destination. Your purpose may ebb and flow throughout your life, and you must learn to adapt to what it is that is bring your life purpose in this present moment–it may be kids, work, volunteering, reading, leading youth in your community, serving others, immersing yourself in nature, traveling, investing into the spiritual health of your family or community, gardening, you name it! Each one of us can find a reason to get out of bed in the morning with joy rather than grumbling, it’s simply a matter of discovering what it is that brings you joy and deciding whether or not to shape your life around it. 

One final note, this concept of living your life with purpose as proposed by the ikigai practice, is one that mirrors the objectives of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly evidenced-based therapy that I use with many of my clients. CBT’s main goal is to help treat problems by changing the thought and behavioral patterns that perpetuate the issue. CBT often relies on focusing on the truth and meaning of a situation in order to remain present and appropriately respond, these changes have been proved to be effective in treating anxiety, suicidality, depression, substance use, and lowering everyday stress-responses. Both CBT and Ikigai praise lifestyles that pursue activities that provide the individual with enjoyment and a sense of mastery or purpose. In short, a life well lived, is not just busy, but a life that is full of people and things that bring enjoyment and satisfaction into our lives. Being busy is not inherently negative, however, I would strongly encourage anyone reading this to question whether or not they are being fulfilled by all they are saying ‘yes’ to. If you struggle to answer that question, utilize the 4 categories of ikigai mentioned above.