To lead a conscious, healthy, and meaningful life, it is essential to live with a sense of purpose. Finding your ‘why’ or a reason of existence can sound very challenging, but once you figure it out, you can have a peaceful journey with a motivation to achieve your calling. Isn’t it just amazing for us to have a solid reason to jump out of our beds every morning? But, do we have one? Finding the reason for living/being is the secret to lead a happy and long life, according to the Japanese word 'Ikigai', which roughly means ‘reason for being’. It is indeed a life changing concept. It is the place where one’s satisfaction, desires, ambitions and needs meet. That sense of fulfilment you will achieve once you realize your reason of existence is incredibly satisfying. Reflecting on your life and your values helps you to understand yourself better and be brutally honest with what you want from life.
The illustration above might be of immense help to you. Your ikigai basically lies at the center of these intersecting circles. If you are missing out even in one of the areas (Passion, Mission, Profession and Vocation), then you are missing out on a chance to lead a joyful life.
HOW CAN YOU FIND YOUR IKIGAI?
Start by asking yourself these set of questions and make sure you jot down the answers to them to reflect over it later on!
1. What is it that you love doing? What do you do in your free time? Any hobbies?
2. What are the skills/talents that you possess? Where do your strengths lie?
3. How can you contribute in making this world a better place? What does the world need?
4. What can you get paid for? Which work/job sparks your interest?
One crucial thing to remember here is that Ikigai is an evolving thing. It keeps changing over time. What you presently feel your ikigai to be might not be the same three years down the road.
Also, the secret to living an incredibly long, successful, and happy life does not lie in the hope of having a great tomorrow. It is actually living intentionally in the power of NOW.
EXAMPLE: Volunteering as a preschool teacher might be something that you love doing and you are good at. While it meets only two out of the four conditions, it is definitely something that the world needs more of and you might as well get paid for it too.
I highly recommend you to read the book (Link provided below) if you want to get a deeper insight into the concept and transform your life for the better! 💗
So, stay curious, have an open mind, and happy Ikigai finding!!
Here's the book if you'd like to buy! 👇
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