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Each person has a different meaning of success. For some eating 3 square meals a day. For others building a house, for some keeping their family happy. All these reflect success. Ikigai encourages self-reflection and aligning one's pursuits with a sense of purpose, fostering a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond mere success. It underscores the importance of finding joy and purpose in the everyday journey of life.
Have you ever thought about whether success gives you happiness? The answer is NO. Happiness comes from the process. During childhood when mom gives an extra penny to buy chocolate your happiness starts from the moment you get the money right. But success comes only after eating the chocolate.
Ikigai projects the deeper version of attaining success. Inner peace and self-satisfaction are the essence of ikigai.
The term "Ikigai" breaks into two Japanese words: "iki," meaning life, and "gai," meaning worth. At its essence, Ikigai represents the convergence of four fundamental elements:
1. Your passion
2. Your vocation
3. Your mission
4. Your profession
The intersection of these four elements forms the core of Ikigai, representing a holistic approach to finding your purpose in life. The philosophy encourages individuals to explore the harmonious balance between their internal desires and external contributions to society.
How to find your ikigai?
Discovering your Ikigai is an introspective exploration of oneself. It requires delving into yourself, asking fundamental questions like:
What do I love doing? What activities ignite my spark, make me lose track of time, and fill me with deep satisfaction?
What am I good at? What skills do I possess that come naturally and allow me to excel?
What does the world need? What problems can I solve or contribute to society?
What can I be paid for? What skills and services are valued in the world, allowing me to earn a living?
By answering these questions, you can map yourself into your constellation of Ikigai. You might be a passionate baker, a skilled gardener who helps communities cultivate urban havens or a gifted storyteller who weaves tales that inspire and connect. You could be anyone for society but for you, you are your passion and desire. Practicing your passion provokes you to attain inner peace.
Finding your Ikigai is just the first step. The true magic lies in actively living it. First, embrace your passion. Prioritize activities that bring joy. Practice it and sharpen your skills. Become an expert and contribute to the society. Make a living out of it. This process will keep you alive and joyous.
How to get a deeper insight into ikigai?
Practice mindfulness!
Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to identify what truly resonates with you.
Engage in self-reflection!
Journaling, taking personality tests, and engaging in introspective conversations can help you gain insights into your passions and skills.
Experiment and explore!
Try new things, volunteer in different fields, and step outside your comfort zone to discover hidden talents and passions.
Connect with others!
Share your experiences and learn from others who have embraced their Ikigai.
Remember, discovering your Ikigai is a dynamic, ever-evolving journey. It is not about finding a perfect job or achieving instant success. But it is about embracing the process of personal growth, and self-discovery. So, take a deep breath, listen to your inner voice, and embark on your own Ikigai adventure. You might just be surprised at the spark you ignite within yourself.
Literary reference to Ikigai
One notable book that explores the concept of Ikigai is "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. Drawing from interviews with residents of a Japanese village, the one with the highest life expectancy, the authors penned down the principles of Ikigai and how they contribute to longevity and well-being. The book offers practical insights and exercises to help individuals discover their Ikigai.
Another insightful read is "Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day" by Ken Mogi. Mogi, a neuroscientist and author, explores the neuroscience behind the concept of Ikigai and guides on incorporating its principles into daily life. The book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, gratitude, and embracing life's small pleasures to unlock one's Ikigai.
"Ikigai and Other Japanese Words to Live By" by Mari Fujimoto is a linguistic exploration of various Japanese concepts, including Ikigai. The book embraces the cultural and linguistic nuances of Ikigai, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how these words reflect broader philosophical ideas in Japanese society.
A broad spectrum of Ikigai
It's important to remember that Ikigai is not a singular endpoint, but rather a spectrum of possibilities. The way it manifests may vary across life stages and circumstances. You may discover new passions, refine your skills, or adjust your career path as you evolve. The crucial moment is the intersection between your desires, skills, and contributions to the world.
Beyond Productivity
Ikigai is not a result-driven policy but rather a process-driven driven. The essence of ikigai is to observe and cherish every step of your passion.For example, an artist loves his painting even before putting it on to paper, he enjoys choosing the colors, choosing the best canvas, and setting up his painting board. All this happens while still, the painting is only on his mind. This is Ikigai this process of joy is Ikigai.
Have you found your Ikigai?
Then cherish your work and grasp the essence of Ikigai. If you feel lost and not connected to your Ikigai then talk to yourself. Self-realization is the first step of self-discovery.
In conclusion, Ikigai serves as a beacon, guiding individuals toward a life rich in purpose and fulfillment. As a philosophy deeply embedded in Japanese culture, it invites people to explore the interconnectedness of their passions, talents, contributions to society, and professional pursuits. Explore your ikigai to gift yourself, inner peace and get socially conscious. So, what are you waiting for, talk to your inner self find your spark and be happy.
If you have any further questions, please do drop in a mail.
My blog will have 2 sections one for mental wellness and another for book review. Hope this blog has imparted some value to your daily routine. I will be back with my next blog soon.