Ikigai - Finding Purpose
I have seen Ikigai in a lot of places as a catch phrase and didn’t know what it really meant before this course. I wasn’t sure if it was connected to other concepts/philosophies like Japanese Zen, Chinese Feng Shui, or Nordic Hygge. I guess it is related in a way in that these ideas organise your thoughts and mental and physical space, while Ikigai is getting you focused on the meaning of what you are doing with your time.
I think it falls under the first dimension of the Inner Development Goals framework for BEING - Relationship to Self, under the skill of finding your inner compass. The article in our pathway reading described it as: Ikigai helps explore purpose by considering 4 main areas: Passion, Vocation, Mission, and Profession.
Discussion Questions:
- Has your Ikigai changed over time?
- How easy is it for you to identify your Ikigai?
My response:
- My Ikigai has changed a lot over time, as I feel like what the world needs and what you can get paid for has changed a lot over the last twenty years. As have my loves and strengths. I see that as a good thing. I can’t see myself staying in the same profession my whole life and even within my own profession I love change, different age groups I work with, different cultures, different cities to live in. The online world and social media has made so many more opportunities for entrepreneurship which is also really exciting. Or maybe my personal Venn diagram keeps getting bigger?
- I am very grateful that it has been easy for me to identify my Ikigai. There are so many things I want to try and learn about! I think the piece I could dig deeper into is what the world needs, though.
@braveTruth816
I like to check in with myself regularly and set challenges to make sure that I'm striving to push myself to do my best physically , mentally and emotionally.
And to make sure that I'm fully satisfied in all areas of my life and if not, what can I change ? 🥰
@braveTruth816
Has your Ikigai changed over time?
My Ikigai has changed a lot over time. I wanted to live for myself since I've seen my mother live for other people and most of my teenage years were spent in trying to accomodate other people in my life so initially, I was my Ikigai. Then I came across my current partner and he became my Ikigai. Someone who was against the idea of living for other people, found her purpose in the love of her life. I saw a future with him and that's what kept me going.
How easy is it for you to identify your Ikigai?
Ahahah... and look at where I am. It is not easy for me to identify my Ikigai since we've broken up. I'm trying to rebuild myself and recover from that brokenness. However, I believe that's the beauty of it. That's what makes you alive. Feeling and experiencing. Breaking and building something beautiful out of it.
