Ikigai

My first introduction to Ikigai (生き甲斐) was, funnily enough, an alcoholic drink at Benihana which consisted of an unknown combination of the following ingredients elderflower, rhubarb, lemon, Tequila Reposado. I am not a fan of alcohol, but this is a beverage I would highly recommend.

Any while drinking the Ikigai I was informed loosely of its translation in English and loosely it is meaning which was “Something to wake up for in the morning’’ which in of itself forces you to stop and ponder. Below is Venn diagram distilling Ikigai to something more relatable and understandable rather than a mere esoteric, it allows you to fill in the diagrams and input your own personal answers to find your “Ikigai”, or at least it did for me. When I think of “something to wake up for in the morning”, I think of a philosophical or perhaps religious question of what is your purpose, as the french say raison d’etre which is the purpose for someone or something’s existence.

Your ikigai lies at the centre of those interconnecting circles. If you are lacking in one area, you are missing out on your life’s potential. Not only that, but you are missing out on your chance to live a long and happy life.

Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an Ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self. Such a search is regarded as being very important since it is believed that the discovery of one’s Ikigai brings satisfaction and meaning to life.

I find Ikigai to be more of self-development concept from Japan, a prism for potentially seeing how to bring satisfaction, happiness & meaning to life.

Ikigai is not about identifying a profession. It is far more holistic than just your ideal job, it is about the type of life you want. This is your ‘why’. It’s important. Take the time to think deep and hard to explore and identify your Ikigai.

To find your ikiagi you have to strip away any possible reward, tendencies to rationalise or inherent judgments. Be completely selfish. What energises YOU, brings YOU joy, makes YOU smile when you think about it? Include hobbies, interests, activities… Write these down

The secret to a long and happy life is not to live in the hope of a great life tomorrow. It is to live with intention today.

Have you found your ikigai?

– Are you doing something that you love?

– That the world needs?

– That you are good at?

– And that you can be paid for?

How can you live with purpose today, to live a longer and healthier life?