Finding your Ikigai
Apparently it is now “known” that working for longer may help you live longer. This may not sound all that appealing, but staying in the workplace for just one year more than another retired and healthy counterpart has been shown to be associated with an 11% lower risk of death from all causes. But perhaps there’s another way to gain these extra years without commuting for any longer than necessary.
The people of Japan know this intuitively, which is one of the key reasons they have the longest life expectancy in the world.
In Japanese culture, retiring and not keeping your mind and body busy is seen as being bad for your health since it disconnects your soul from your ikigai. Ikigai can be translated as “a reason for being” – the thing that gets you out of bed each morning. Finding your ikigai is felt to be crucial to longevity and a life full of meaning. The people of Japan keep doing what they love, what they are good at, and what the world needs even after they have left the office for the last time. Here are some people that have found their ikigai perhaps – swimming with the BB so need to work until you are 110. I am glad that the temp was not 15.7
It is birthday month
Today is Peta’s birthday. Happy birthday. Although she planned not to go to Shelly, when I got there (after everyone else left) i did sing a quick and quiet happy birthday to you Peta. Have a great day
And yesterday was Ian’s birthday. Happy birthday Ian, our fearless neptune-like leader
Getting ready for the swim having found their ikigai
Nathan and Bev. Nathan in a moonboot. But at least he has his winter badge
Here is the fabulous Richard Lacey. He encapsulates all the good qualities of BB – he is a swimmer, he knows the sea, he is friendly and welcoming to all. When I first started swimming with BB, he was always friendly to me as he is to others. Good on you Richard. He is accompanied here by other excellent members of BB 
Peta and Emma
Such a bright white shirt – Shelley and I were impressed. Nice to see Bill
Encounters with early swimmers
We agree that swimming is the most successful mindful meditation activty
Thanks for posing Ian – this photo shows how cold it is: the pink cap turned blue (dad joke that never stops being funny)
At the point
At Shelly beach
The A team waited a nano second
What I have been reading
Coffin Road by Peter May. Gripping
Stats
210 swimmers
1 newbie
Winter badge ceremony-Don’t forget to book in for the badge ceremony-Sunday 17th September, $5 entry for a sausage roll, supporting Royal Far West.
Monthly Dinner – 12th September 2017 – Guest Speaker
The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 12th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be Dr Tanya Evans, whose talk is entitled “Swimming with the Spit”
Dr Tanya Evans is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Modern History at Macquarie University, President of the History Council of NSW and editor and author ofSwimming with the Spit. Tanya’s talk will demonstrate that we B&Bs are not the first people to amble down to the beach and enjoy our invigorating morning swims. Sydney has a fascinating history of dynamic community swimming organisations. Learn all about this fascinating subject on the night.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.
5 comments
edwina harrison
08/09/2017 at 11:13 am
I love that idea the Japanese have, the Ikigai, thanks for that information. Love the collection of photos too. I wished I’d known it was Peta’s birthday when I spoke to her! Happy birthday Peta 🙂
Nick M
08/09/2017 at 1:34 pm
Fantastic blog Elizabeth. The B and B is certainly a big part of my Ikigai, and the thought of being able to do it as often as I want in my retirement is very appealing!
Shelleyk
08/09/2017 at 2:21 pm
I’ve met some icky guys, does that count?
LSA aka HKTQ
08/09/2017 at 3:34 pm
Great blog as usual, Elizabeth!
For the statisticians, however, let me tell you that for the last 2 years running Hong Kong (yes, polluted, crazy Hong Kong!) has overtaken Japan in the longevity race! Last year, HK females av: 87.3, males 81.2 ahead of Japan females, 87.14, males 80.98 (according to Japan’s Ministry of Health)! It’s still the Ikigai factor. In Hong Kong, that usually revolves around earning money til your death-bed and eating tasty food with friends & family! Agree, B&B swimming is a great ikigai starter!! xx
Fiona Horn
08/09/2017 at 7:04 pm
Love the ‘What I’ve Been Reading’ section.I am going to nominate you for guest spot on ABC book club