22 Feb Ikigai – what we can learn from the Japanese about living a long and happy life
via My Modern Met by Jesica Stewart
Many of us spend our entire lives trying to achieve happiness and the perfect life balance to leave us fulfilled. So what is the key to living a full, fruitful life? In Japan, a concept called ikigai is central to finding one’s satisfaction and meaning in life. In fact, ikigai translates to “reason for being.”
Interestingly, ikigai is certainly not tied just to financial status. It’s more about what puts a smile on your face when you wake up in the morning and keeps you motivated. Finding your ikigai can be a long process that requires deep reflection into your wants and needs in all areas of your life. In short, it’s finding the answer to the question: “What should I do with my life?”
It’s a question that many of us struggle with our whole lives. While some people feel a call to a specific profession or passion early in life, the majority spend a good part of their lives figuring out what truly makes them happy.
IN JAPANESE CULTURE, IKIGAI BREAKS DOWN INTO DIFFERENT AREAS:
- What you love (Passion and Mission)
- What you are good at (Passion and Profession)
- What you can be paid for (Profession and Vocation)
- What the world needs (Mission and Vocation)
…keep reading the full & original article HERE