One's Ikigai

Have you ever heard the term ikigai?

There are times when we just find ourselves in a corner thinking of certain things in life.

Do you have this nights in your life wherein you can't sleep? You are just lying in your bed and wondering what is the essence of your life.

Probably, you are thinking of things to do in your life, and that you are doing the best that you can to joyfully make it happen.

We just have to realize that no matter how many trials that will come in our life, we will manage to surpass them all because we have God.

Just believe that we can do it, and it will happen. By thinking these things to happen, it gives a sense of chance that it will happen, and that our hard works are worthy.

Now, what is your ikigai?

It is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being". The word refers to 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 (Wikipedia, 2020)

At this point, can you tell what your ikigai is?

If not yet, here is the bigger picture. I hope it will clarify what you are thinking.

According to Japanese culture, your ikigai lies at the center of four intersecting circles:

• Mission: What you love

• Vocation: What the world needs

• Profession: What you can get paid for

• Passion: What you are good at

Are you thinking about your ikigai? Do you want to know the reason of your being?

Then, answer these things:

• What are the things you love?

• What do you think the world needs to you?

• What do you think is the profession you can get paid for?

• What do you think the things that you are good at?

Get a paper and list down your answers. It takes time to figure out about these things, do not rush. But if you know now what are the reasons of your being, then do it.

You do not have to rush in just for you to have something to write. You can think for it. Have enough time to think of it very well.

A philosopher and civil rights leader by the name Howard W Thurman once said, “Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.” … “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

From the elements above, it helps contribute to our happiness, finances and intellectual pursuit, and health. All these things are very important for us to find “the reason to wake up in the morning.”

Do not be afraid to take risks in life. Sometimes, you have to take risks to see the better picture. There's nothing wrong about it, it will only be wrong if it is employed in the wrong path.

Sometimes you have to follow your curiousity in the good way. Like what is happening right now in the world, fulfilment is fast becoming the number one priority for most of us.

If you were to do one thing today that can express your ikigai, what will it be?

Before you leave this article, you might want to leave a comment below regarding your thoughts about our topic today. Do not worry, this is not required. But, just in case you have something in your mind, do not be shy to share it.

Disclaimer

All the images used in this article are from Pixabay. Credits belong to the respective owners.