Ikigai

 Ikigai 

Ikigai is a Japanese conceot meaning a life worth living or the reason for being. There are four elements of Ikigai, namely, what you love, what you are good at , what the world needs and what you can be paid for. This is the western outlook. Ikigai is made with two words Iki, meaning life and Gai which means worth or value. 

Japanese understanding of the term is more spiritual. It’s about appreciating the small things that bring you joy like a flower or a rainbow. It’s a way of life and a journey of life with purpose. A feeling which motivates us to get up everyday. 

According to Japanese psychologist Katsuya Inoue, Ikigai is a concept that consists of two aspects. “ sources or objects which bring value or meaning to life and a feeling that one’s life has value or meaning because of the existence of its source or object”. In other words Ikigai is basically having a reason to live, of contentment and finding fulfillment in your life. 

Japanese take this concept quite seriously. While we may be setting goals for our success in the world, we can sometimes fail to realize what actually makes us happy. What is our passion? What is our purpose?

How many of us actually think of our passion and purpose? What makes us tick? Do we take out  time to enjoy a sunny day or watch butterflies in a garden? Do we enjoy getting wet in rain? Enjoying small, everyday things as bliss is the key to find our own Ikigai. 

Have you tried it? If not, do it. 

So be it !!!