IKIGAI:
Living with meaning and purpose
As one year shits into another it is common to take stock of ourselves and our life and where we may be headed. Deep down most of us yearn for a life of fulfillment. But how do we achieve this feeling of contentment which extends beyond the fleeting pleasure acquisitions or accomplishments may bring? According to Japanese culture, the answer to a meaningful and purposeful life may be attained by discovering one’s “ikigai”.
Put simply, ikigai means “reason to live.” It has been a guiding approach to life in parts of Japan for many years and has more recently started to receive world-wide interest.
Going beyond simply setting goals and intentions, ikigai is a complete approach to living life with joy, purpose, and wellbeing. Sometimes regarded as providing a focus on career, ikigai in fact extends more broadly into all aspects of life. It is something that may take a little time to discover and can be changed as we ourselves change. It is also very possible to have more then one ikigai. Perhaps an ikigai focussed on work/career and another focused around our personal/family life.
Finding one’s ikigai can be approached in many ways, but one popular approach is to focus on four fundamental components: Passion, Mission, Vocation, and Profession (see Figure 1 below) and use your responses to these to shape your own unique ikigai. Note there is some overlap between these categories and you may find you have more than one response that fits within each category.
Figure 1: Discovering your ikigai
Source: The Philosophy of Ikigai: 3 Examples About Finding Purpose
Passion
This is simply what you love to do. It may be music, art, business, being outdoors etc. What brings you joy; your interests, creative endeavours and preferred activities. Consider what makes you feel alive and start there.
Profession
Finding a way to do what you are good at. This brings in a practical element. For example, if you love music, perhaps by learning an instrument you can bring this interest into your life regularly. If you love art consider taking up painting or pottery or any other artistic pursuit. It may even form part of your career or occupation but this is not a necessity.
Mission
This where you can take what you love to do and find a way to bring it to the world, or even just to your community, family, or simply yourself. All are valid ways of incorporating a mission. You may choose to share with others your love of gardening or music or business etc through formal and informal activities, or simply to broaden and enhance the parameters of your own life experience.
Vocation
This involves taking your skills and talents and using them in a way you receive payment for, either in monetary or non-monetary terms. This includes what you are be able to do as a career but can also extend into other areas of your life where you may receive enjoyment, compensation and non-monetary rewards. For example, if you love being outdoors you may create a vegetable garden and then be able to swap produce from this with others. If you enjoy leading and inspiring others you may choose to work as a teacher, and receive payment for this.
The are many reported benefits from finding one’s ikigai. These include:
1. Increased wellbeing and happiness
A sense of purpose is a valuable way of building and maintaining our sense of self, and giving a reason to our lives. Regularly including what brings you joy into your life will increase feelings of wellbeing and vitality. A clear sense of purpose can also provide direction and be very rewarding.
2. Balance and guidance
Ikigai can provide you with greater balance in your life. Being connected to your purpose helps you to process life’s challenges and more quickly return to a sense of ease and equilibrium. In this way your ikigai can help you feel grounded. Also, through ikigai you can connect with others who share your passion and interests, building friendships with like-minded individuals.
3. Reduced stress and improved health
When you are doing something that aligns with your deeper purpose, you are likely to feel more relaxed and positive about yourself and your life, which can have a range of health benefits. The result is an active contribution to your overall happiness and sense of fulfillment.
Source: Ikigai: the Japanese answer to a life of purpose – Ikigai Living
Ikigai is thus a way of life, with many benefits to us and to others. It is a journey that brings us a way of living in harmony with ourselves, contributing to our own and others’ wellbeing. Goals or objectives are not the primary focus of ikigai. Instead, it is a lifetime journey of self-discovery, which changes as we change. I wish you well on your own journey towards greater meaning and purpose.
By Kerrie Clayton
Kerrie has been a member of the AHHCA for over 10 years and is currently part of its Committee of Management. She is a qualified Holistic Health Practitioner and Reiki Master. Kerrie may be contacted via www.wellnesswithkerrie.com
References and further reading:
Ikigai: the Japanese answer to a life of purpose
Ikigai – Japanese Theory Of Happiness (History
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