IKIGAI: The Japanese Life Philosophy
This Japanese concept embodies the idea of happiness in living. It combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life”, and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth”. It is essentially the reason why you get up in the morning; that which gives your life worth, meaning or purpose. Similar to the French term “raison d’etre” or reason for being.
Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano (2017) has said that ikigai is a state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys, which also brings a sense of fulfilment.
Ikigai is also related to the concept of flow. Flow occurs when you are in your “zone”, consistently doing something you love and that you are good at and which also contribute to the good or benefit of others.
Ikigai Myths:
Ikigai isn't necessarily related to work and money.
Ikigai doesn't have to be viewed as an overwhelming, all or nothing life purpose. "You don't need huge ambition to be very happy, you just need a bunch of friends to drink green tea and to talk with. Get rid of the mess and at the core is your ikigai." Hector Garcia
You can have more than one ikigai in your life. It is natural that your life purpose will evolve over time. From: The true meaning of ikigai: Definitions, Diagrams & Myths, Iza Kavedzija
The concept of ikigai as a purpose in life has both personal and social dimensions. These dimensions are illustrated in the IKIGAI diagrams below where ikigai holds the central position and involves four major spheres of interest and how they might overlap in one’s life.
Four questions to find your ikigai:
What do you love?
This could be anything that we do or experience that brings us the most joy in life for example writing poetry, singing, reading, etc.
What are you great at?
Includes anything you are particularly good at such as learned skills, hobbies, talents like playing the piano, public speaking, sports or painting.
Does the community/society/ world need it?
Needs might include skilled nursing, clean water, homes for the homeless (eg. The Shack Builder, Quinton Adams), volunteering or training. This domain of ikigai connects most explicitly with other people and doing good for them, beyond one’s own needs.
Can you get paid for it?
Does it involve a service or product that someone else is willing to pay you for? Whether you can get paid for your passions or talents depends on factors such as the state of the economy, whether your passions/talents are in demand, etc.
A “sweet spot” within this ikigai diagram would therefor involve something you are passionate about, that you are also good at, that the world needs now, and for which someone will pay you.
Some questions to identify your passions/talents/abilities/ skills:
Human beings have basic drives to pursue our passions, develop our talents, to help others and to make a living. To find fulfilment in life, we need to bring these paths together. This is where self-reflection comes in.
The journey to ikigai, finding your life purpose, might require time, self-reflection and effort, but it is one we can all make.
Till we chat again.
Shirley Rose
Sources: Jeffrey Gaines, Ph.D, positivepsychology.com
Iza Kavedzija, The true meaning of ikigai: Definitions, Diagrams & Myths, www.sloww.co