Awakening to Ikigai: Embracing a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Fulfillment

Embracing a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Fulfillment Ikigai means "reason to live."

There is so much negativity in the world that it affects everyone, causing increased stress, worry, and anxiety. Instead, let’s focus on the positive. Let’s learn and follow Ikigai, which comes from Okinawa, Japan, where people live extraordinarily long and healthy lives.

Encouragement for all of us to get up in the morning even when we don't want to because we feel depressed, negative, or discouraged

Embracing a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Fulfillment

Ikigai means "reason to live."

The Morning Call: Discovering Your Ikigai for a Meaningful Life

Quotes:

"Along with the experience of joy, the experience of suffering also makes life worth living. When we encounter adversity, we endure suffering, challenge it, and overcome it, which makes our life worth living."

Professor Yoshikazu Ueda

"If you look right, you can see that the whole world is a garden."

Agnieszka Holland, 1993

"In a nutshell, Wabi Sabi is imperfection, or more fully, appreciation of the value and beauty of imperfection. Wabi Sabi celebrates the preciousness of all things imperfect, which is truly all things." Taro Gold, 2010

"Only things that are imperfect, incomplete, and ephemeral can truly be beautiful, because only those things resemble the natural world."

García & Miralles, 2017

The Japanese concept Ikigai, pronounced "ee-kee-guy," is an intricate idea roughly translated to "a reason for being."

As deep as the roots of Japanese culture, Ikigai is a transformative force, igniting motivation and a profound sense of purpose. Its application in real life can be a significant change, especially in finding inspiration every morning to seize the day.

seize the day

Identifying what you love is important to realizing your Ikigai because it taps into intrinsic motivation and genuine interest. What you are good at is recognizing your abilities and strengths. These abilities have developed over time through practice and experience; they could be natural or acquired skills that have been perfected. Whenever you're involved in an activity that uses your strengths, you'll be better placed to go with the flow; that's when you feel immersed and forget about time. This deeper engagement establishes Ikigai and gives a sense of competence and accomplishment.

One pillar of Ikigai focuses on identifying how you can contribute to society. It's about looking at things beyond yourself and realizing the bigger impact you can offer others. That translates into solving social problems, delivering useful services or products that improve people's lives, or even just spreading good and kindness in your community. Harmonizing your passions and skills with the world's needs makes what you do more meaningful and purposeful.

To live the most purposeful and meaningful life, Ikigai is a good framework. Once you've found your Ikigai, it becomes your northern star. This purpose is so weighty because it will motivate you even further to get up in the morning, deepening the sense of meaning that underlies every day's work. Knowing that your actions are congruent with what you are passionate about, what you do well, and what the world needs helps give you a reason to face each day with excitement and energy.

Ikigai is a guiding light that can help navigate life's challenges and pitfalls. Ikigai's clarity of purpose can be most effective at these times. It reminds you of the bigger picture and the worth of your actions, making it easier to face adversity with resilience and look for a positive way forward.

Ikigai is both a concept and a path to personal growth and self-awareness. It supports a holistic approach to well-being, including emotional, intellectual, and practical well-being. Embracing Ikigai can lead to a life that is not just successful but also deeply purposeful and fulfilling. With such a deep purpose, every morning is worthy of waking up to, turning ordinary daily living into a journey toward self-discovery and what one can contribute.

Here are some suggestions to help you with Ikigai:

• Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your passions, strengths, and the needs around you.

• Regular meditation can help you gain clarity and focus on your Ikigai.

• Start with small, daily practices that align with your Ikigai, such as spending time on a hobby you love or volunteering for a cause you care about.

• Several books provide in-depth knowledge about Ikigai. Notable ones include "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles, and "Awakening Your Ikigai" by Ken Mogi.

Practicing Ikigai involves continual self-reflection, exploration, and alignment with your passions, skills, and what the world needs. Engage in activities that fit with your Ikigai, seek feedback, and continue to reflect on your journey. It's about living intentionally, embracing opportunities for personal growth, and contributing positively to the world in a way that aligns with your inner self.