I first heard about Ikigai several years ago. I was immediately intrigued and wanted to learn more. As I researched this concept, I realized the importance of this concept and how it can help to give individuals a sense of meaning and purpose.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki (means “alive” or “life”) and gai (means “benefit” or “worth”). It is also like to the French expression “raison d'être” (“reason for being”). Ikigai was popularized by Mieko Kamiya, a Japanese psychiatrist, who wrote about it in one of her books On the Meaning of Life (ikigai ni tsuite). She believed, “What is important is pursuing their purpose, not whether or not they accomplish their goal. They will be satisfied even if they die if they are on the road to the accomplishments; but if they are not faithful, they cannot die satisfied.”
A Japanese psychologist, Michiko Kumano, conducted a study where she found that when people engaged in the things they love or enjoyable activities gives them a feeling of achievement and fulfillment - Ikigai. According to an article on the Japanese Government website, Ikigai is ”A broad concept, it refers to that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one’s children or friends, to activities including work and hobbies.” Ikigai can also be individuals contributing to the betterment of other people and society.
Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles wrote a book entitled, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life with Ikigai being the key to people living a happy life with a “healthy body and mind”. Garcia interview people in a Japanese community asking about their Ikigai and responses included such things as art, friends, gardening. In the book, Garcia included a diagram developed by Marc Winn that included four sections (“what you love” - “what you are good at” - “what the world needs” - “what you can be paid for”) which can help people to find their purpose - Ikigai or raison d'être.
The concept of Ikigai can apply to anyone - young people, adults, seniors - it can guide and motivate us. It is important to live intentionally, be happy, and cultivate meaning in day-to-day life for our mental health and wellbeing. Start your journey by using the Japanese concept of Ikigai to help you find a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
Tips to Finding Your Purpose
- Reflect on your strengths and values
- Explore your interests and passions
- Engage in mindfulness for self awareness
- Create a vision board of what you wan to achieve
- Develop a mind map to organize your ideas and thoughts
Ikigai or raison d’être can help you to find your 'purpose or reason to be’ for waking up in the morning.
References
- The Government of Japan. (2022,March 18). Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Joyful Life. https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai_japanese_secret_to_a_joyful_life.html
- Wikipedia. Ikigai. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#cite_note-:2-4
- Wikipedia. Meiko Kamiya. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mieko_Kamiya