Finding your Ikigai
Renewal and Purpose in Bloom, discover your Reason for Being in Spring
There is a house down the road from me, which has a huge Magnolia tree, and while not a Cherry Blossom Tree its blossom has arrived. My daughter and I have always wanted to pop a note through the door and say ‘Hi we live up the road, we love your tree’ but each year we don’t. *mental note - let’s do it THIS year. Seeing it for the first time today, I was, as I am every year, so blown away by its beauty and grandeur. As we look around ourselves this week- the week of the Spring Equinox, we can feel a warmth ( ok it might not last at the moment) and notice the buds, the shoots and the Earth showing us the renewal cycle has started.
In the spirit of self renewal, I wanted to touch this months blog on the concept and then the practice of Ikigai.
Ikigai is a sense and a feeling as opposed to a strict concept, much like its cousin Wabi-Sabi ( subject for a future blog for sure) that is something to live within. In simple terms it is about finding joy in life through purpose, meaning and connection. It is your Reason for Being. We don’t know why we are here, so Ikigai philosophy lends itself to finding the purpose yourself and live it while you are here. It is made up of four elements :
1) What you love (Passion): This encompasses your hobbies, interests, and activities that bring you joy.
2) What you are good at (Vocation): These are your skills, talents, and abilities.
3) What the world needs (Mission): This involves contributing to society and making a positive impact.
4) What you can be paid for (Profession): This relates to your career and how you sustain yourself financially.
The ideal life situation for Ikigai to thrive in you would be to combine all of these. The old adage- get paid for something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life etc. Doing things for others with true altruism is the key to finding meaning and purpose and being able to put a roof over your head and food on the table via it - would be the best scenario for a fulfilling and happy life.
Whilst this is the basis, it is not all about providing these things, it is about using self -reflection and exploration to grow as a person and in yourself. For developing better flexibility mentally and emotionally and one would also say physically (thinking of Yoga and Qi-Gong in terms of longevity benefits). It is about finding fulfilment in the everyday. For the enjoyment of the small things and the simple things. So how can we start to put these things into practice this Spring?
Well here are some ideas :
Reflection: Take a quiet moment to reflect on your current passions, skills, and values.
Nature Connection: Suggest spending time outdoors, observing the natural world, and finding inspiration in nature's renewal.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices to become more aware of your inner self and your connection to the world around you.
Trying new things: Now is a perfect time to try new hobbies, or to begin to learn a new skill.
Community: Recognising the importance of connecting with others and contributing to the community, aligning with the "what the world needs" aspect of Ikigai.
As Spring slowly arrives it is the perfect time for looking at how to renew parts of your life.
To look at your career. Could you practice being ‘Anti-Fragile’ the concept of not being tied to one employer or income stream. Starting something you love in the background to grow and take over if you are not happy where you are now.
Who fills your cup up to be around, and where can you help make a difference to others in small ways.
Walking and movement, notice changes around you by picking a walk to repeat daily and take note when small changes happen in nature.
Take five mins every day to ask yourself: where is your tension being held, are you breathing deeply to nourish yourself. What might you like to eat and enjoy. Do you need rest or refreshment.
It is worth noting that in Okinawa, Japan, people have some of the longest lifespans in the world, Ikigai is believed to play a significant role.
What brings you joy.
In a matter of weeks, the lion that is April will crash in and go out like a lamb to welcome May. That blossom will have been scattered and trodden into the ground to help next years display. Time passes and cycles continue, be kind to yourself and try an Ikigai approach.
A xxxxx