While reading the book El cerebro que cura, one of the ideas that stood out to me most is its repeated reference to the Japanese concept of ikigai, understood as one’s “reason for being”: that which motivates us to get up every morning and gives us the energy to keep going through difficult times. The book’s main author, neurology professor Álvaro Pascual-Leone (from Harvard Medical School), emphasizes that having a sense of purpose in life is associated with better health.
“Studies on the Japanese island of Okinawa, one of the regions in the world with the highest life expectancy and an unusually large population of people over one hundred years old, confirm that ikigai is a crucial concept in the culture. Having a well-defined ikigai and a close-knit social network—what in Okinawa is called moai—are the most important factors in predicting longevity and good health in old age” (p. 20).
In this sense, the book also highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who think positively, care about us, and support us, as this helps foster positive thinking and better health. It is not about being irrational, but about accepting our limitations and working to overcome them.
From an educational perspective, these ideas invite reflection. When a child wakes up in the morning, it is not the same to go to a classroom where they know they will be loved, cared for, and listened to, as it is to go to a place where they experience bullying and rejection. This daily experience shapes their thoughts, their way of being in the world, and also their health.
Interactions influence that child’s internal dialogue: feeling supported by classmates and teachers encourages positive thoughts, while the opposite can lead to insecurity or lack of motivation. For this reason, implementing initiatives in schools such as the Zero Violence Brave Club—which has been scientifically proven to achieve the greatest improvements in eliminating bullying and promoting friendship—is crucial for fostering the well-being and health of all students.
In this context, thinking of school as a place where ikigai—that reason to get up every day—can begin to take shape opens a clear path forward: caring for relationships, encouraging friendship, and creating violence-free environments that allow every child to discover what motivates them, connects them with others, and gives meaning to their life each morning when they wake up.
Article translated from Periódico Educación
Primary Education Teacher.
Currently working on his doctoral thesis at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV).