Finding your Ikigai- a key to long and happy life- simplified for you.

 

Ikigai [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept which means "a reason for being". Ikigai means having a direction or purpose in life, that which makes one's life worthwhile, and towards which an individual takes spontaneous and willing actions giving them satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life because of which finding joy, fulfillment and balance in daily routine of life becomes easy by the union of components of life.

ikigai book online  purchase online.

Ikigai can describe having a sense of purpose in life which can be simplified as giving a meaning to your everyday life and something which can make you wake up to it every morning. The passion and drive you feel for it can make you work or indulge in that routine without tiring you and one will not feel that it is hard work or labour while doing it. It can also be a guiding and motivational factor.

 The best part of finding your ikigai is that you can feel willing to take it up without any force thrust upon you and allows you to explore your innerself and keeps you feeling good about yourself and at ease.

Psychologist Michiko Kumano describes Ikigai as eudaimonic well-being, as it "entails actions of devoting oneself to pursuits one enjoys and is associated with feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment"

ikigai may be one of the reasons for the longevity of the people of Okinawa, in japan   Moai, the close-knit friend group is considered an important reason for the people of Okinawa to live long.

In the year 2016, a book based on the Japanese concept 'Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life' was published by Penguin Books, was written by Hector Gracia and Albert Liebermann and gained popularity for the simplicity and the concept as it is one of the most sought after answer, when any person is sailing in routes of confusion.

Since ikigai is based on a few simple union of components of life understanding it and working on it over time, we can arrive at finding our ikigai, our true sense of calling and our true sense of purpose in life and once such a clarity is gained it becomes even more easier to work in that direction and prevents veining away of energy and efforts in non- fruitful endeavour and bitterness.

So now, you may have a question of how do I find my Ikigai?

The simple questions to pose yourself would be,

1.     What do I love? – that gives you your passion. What ever you feel passionate about.

2.     What am I good at? – that will give you a vocation which will be a combination of skill + interest.

3.     What can I be paid for? – that will give you your profession , you can also pose a question on the lines of keeping your interests alive ,what the world need

4.     What does the world need? – that should cover what is your mission.

 

The final answer as your passion lies in the confluence or a meeting point where all your questions are answered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An example for finding the ikigai. Note that writing down will give more clarity, and this picture shows how to identlify a profession with passion

on. 

Ponder over the questions and understand that with the help of a venn diagram.

Please note that you may require some time to get to know your ikigai. You may have to work on it continuously to find that and many times it can change over time also. some can have multiple ikigai also, which differs from individual to individual.

 Some easy pointers for the ikigai, also called as pillers for following them are,

1.     Starting small

2.     Accepting yourself

3.     Connecting with the world around you.

4.     Seeking out small joys

5.     Being in the present and the now of it.

 If you observe these pillars they seem very simple and minute, but in reality that is what makes our life what it is. The smaller joys add up to the overall well being of any individual.

Owing to its simplicity this concept of ikigai has gained popularity and practicing them over time can keep you well balanced , happy, healthy and secure and that can lead to ones longevity/ long life. This is what the Japanese concept promotes and is proved by the people living there.

 There are 10 simple rules of ikigai, a pictorial representation below can give you a better idea and you will start liking it owing to its simplicity and the hidden truth in that.

 

                 

 

                                    

1.     Stay active, don’t retire

2.     Take it slow

3.     Don’t fill your stomach

4.     Surround yourself with good friends

5.     Exercise, stay fit, in shape

6.     Smile

7.     Reconnect with nature

8.     Give thanks- gratitude

9.     Live in the moment

10.  Follow your Ikigai.

 

It is important to note that all the factors are interconnected and one cannot do without other be it profession, personal life, social life and health and happiness. The concept entwines in itself a community as well where both you and in turn the community is benefitted. That is how a life is beautiful when both self and your surroundings are growing and are at peace and harmony.

 It is also imperative to note that not only finances or money can be a guiding factor but other things are also important to keep you sane and working and satisfied.

 

Since passion is what is driving you, you can never feel bored or tired of your Ikigai, as long as you are doing it. !!!(like what you do, do what you like). Sustaining it for our entire life allowing you to express yourself through a chosen medium by your willing self and gives you a sense of control over your own life.

 

To conclude in simple words,

Object of ikigai,

Experience, memory, role, hobby, health, family, friend, social, events, imagination etc.

 

Feeling of ikigai:

Self realization and self will (Willingness)

Fulfillment in everyday life.

Motivation to live and wake up every morning

Living with passion

Sense of existence

Sense of control.

 

Find out :

Your values

Roles and responsibilities

Presence and hopefulness

Work, hobbies and interest.

 

 Source:

wikipedia, google and ikigaitribe etc