How the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai' will
assist you in living a more purposeful life
How many of us have said, "If I make this much money, I'll be happier," or "If I own that, I'll be happier?"
I'm willing to take a chance on more than a handful.
So it's encouraging that, as a society, we've begun to step away from the notion that economic
prosperity, income, and riches are indicators of success or the sole source of our happiness in recent
years.
Instead, we're looking to other countries and their distinct ideas about happiness that go beyond
money. The sudden craze for the Danish concept of hygge is another great example of this quest. We've
long turned to yoga and meditation for seeking a center, and the sudden craze for the Danish concept of
hygge is another great example of this search. Different cultures can provide a valuable viewpoint on
what happiness is and can be. They provide us with perspectives we would not have considered
otherwise, and ikigai appears to be the next big thing.
A fresh take on the secret to living a happier life.
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a wonderful Japanese concept that roughly translates to "reason for
being." It's a combination of two Japanese words: iki, which means "life," and kai, which means "effect,
consequence, worth, or gain." “A incentive to live,” says the combination.
Isn't that quite lovely?
While ikigai is frequently associated with aspects of social identity, such as work and family life, it is
frequently explained as something more. It's the concept of finding meaning in everything you do in life.
Hobbies, friendships, culture, and travel all contribute to the development of your ikigai.
At the end of last year, a flurry of ikigai-related books appeared on the market. The most recent is
Hector Garcia's "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life," a lovely little hardback. Garcia (a
software engineer) and writer Frances Miralles set out to see if there was any connection between ikigai
and longevity after learning about the idea. They went to Okinara's Ogima, dubbed the "Village of
Longevity," to interview the locals. The book is the product of their study, and it is definitely interesting
reading.
Hobbies, friendships, culture, and travel all contribute to the
development of your ikigai.
Despite Garcia's and a slew of other recent novels, ikigai had its heyday in Japan during the 1970s. In
several of the provided readings, it appears that the word has become yet another cultural export from
the East, typically divorced from its initial, central context. With that in mind, it may be tempting to
dismiss ikigai as a passing fad, another export distorted and tainted for the sake of a few book sales.
That's where I believe we've gone astray.
Looking for a reason to live.
Everyone in Japanese culture is said to have ikigai. It refers to the importance one finds in their life or
the things that make one feel important in their life. It applies to both mental and spiritual events that
make one feel as though their life has meaning.
What I like most about ikigai is how interchangeable it is. It is special to each individual and recognizes
that the concept of "happiness" is actually very elusive. Ikigai as a term will develop and change with
you. You can adapt, alter, and follow new passions with intent if one direction of purpose is no longer
available. This is accommodated by Ikigai.
There are several different aspects of ikigai, but one basic aspect stood out for me: if your current
situation doesn't feel perfect, if you don't feel genuinely valuable in your current state, but you have a
solid aim to strive for, then you've found your ikigai.
What I like most about ikigai is how interchangeable it is. It's
special to each individual and recognizes that the concept of
"happiness" is actually very elusive.
We are always our own worst enemies as creatives, and even more so as women. We equate ourselves
to others, and we may feel like losers when we see others who seem to be doing better than us. We
have a tendency to lose sight of our goals. We are oblivious to the fact that we are on a trip.
This is where I believe ikigai can be of real use. If we follow the ikigai ideas, we'll be drawn back to
ourselves, our own intent, and the road we're on to get there. Ikigai is as much about improvements,
struggles, and failures as it is about achieving the "ultimate" goal of happiness.
The concept isn't new or innovative, but it's worth noting.
Finally, ikigai is about more than just living a long and happy life. It's about accepting and personalizing
the ride you're on. Knowing what gives your life meaning and intent at any given moment.
Thanks.
Melad muhamad amin
Group:B