Thoughts about Ikigai
This is my first time heard of the word Ikigai (生きがい). After doing some searching, I kind of feel like this is a complicated concept that cannot simply be explained in a few words in English. It is often described as the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Ikigai encourages individuals to pursue activities and goals that bring them joy and satisfaction, therefore bringing a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
I kind of feel like nowadays, many people, especially young people do not really have an ikigai. (at least people around me). With the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyle, there seems to be a growing sense of disconnection and aimlessness. When I’m talking with some people around me, usually I could hear they say: “I actually do not have any choices, I’m just on a one-way road and being push by life.’ The concept of ikigai meanwhile emphasized finding ‘joy’ and ‘purpose’, which is people lack of nowadays. People might choose a career that have a better perceived future, e.g., business or economy instead of what they really like. This lack of ikigai can result in a sense of emptiness and a lack of fulfillment, as individuals struggle to find activities or goals that truly resonate with their inner passions and values. I think people should find a way to rediscovering their ikigai.
Here's my questions for you:
1. When did you find out your own ikigai or do you always have an ikigai?
2. Do you have any suggestions to promote rediscovering ikigai nowadays?
@Hollytail Personally, I've always been drawn to activities and pursuits that align with my passions and values. While it wasn't until later in life that I became familiar with the term "ikigai," I've always strived to find meaning and fulfillment in what I do. Whether it's through my work, hobbies, or personal endeavors, I aim to pursue activities that bring me joy and a sense of purpose. To promote rediscovering ikigai in today's society, it's important to encourage self-reflection and introspection. This can be done through practices such as journaling, meditation, or engaging in meaningful conversations with others. Additionally, creating opportunities for exploration and experimentation can help individuals discover their passions and strengths. Encouraging a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning can also inspire people to explore new interests and uncover their ikigai. Finally, fostering supportive communities where individuals can share their experiences and support each other in their journey towards finding purpose can be invaluable.
@phoebe1119 Thank you for sharing your experiences and providing quite a lot suggestions regarding promoting Ikigai. I agree with you and I really like you mentioning that finding ikigai is not only about people themselves but also about making connections with the community. Hope we can all find our ikigai during our life-long journey.
@Hollytail
Here's my questions for you:
When did you find out your own ikigai or do you always have an ikigai? When I was age 11, I found my passion in life. I still enjoy exploring my passion and I hope that I can continue developing it as well as there is a lot left to explore.
Do you have any suggestions to promote rediscovering ikigai nowadays? At this time, I do not have any suggestion to promote rediscovering one's passion.
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@PetiteSouris That's great to hear that you've found your Ikigai at such a young age! I really like your style for replying the forum as it looks so pretty!
@Hollytail Thank you for your thoughts on Ikigai. It’s indeed a profound concept that emphasizes finding joy and purpose in life, which many people seem to struggle with today.
@Hollytail
When did you find out your own ikigai or do you always have an ikigai?
I found my ikigai during a transitional phase in my life when I was exploring different career paths and personal interests. It wasn't something I always had or recognized early on. It took a lot of self-reflection, trying out different activities, and really paying attention to what made me feel fulfilled and passionate. For me, music played a huge role in this journey, helping me connect with my emotions and understand what truly matters to me.
Do you have any suggestions to promote rediscovering ikigai nowadays?
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Journaling or meditating can help clarify these aspects.
Explore New Activities: Try new hobbies, volunteer, or take on projects that interest you. This can help you discover new passions and skills you didn't know you had.
Connect with Others: Talk to people from different backgrounds and professions. Their experiences can provide new perspectives and ideas that might resonate with you.
Balance Work and Play: Ensure you have a good mix of activities that bring joy and those that provide a sense of purpose. Sometimes your ikigai can be found at the intersection of your hobbies and career.
Stay Open to Change: Your ikigai might evolve over time, so stay open to new experiences and allow yourself to grow. What fulfills you today might be different from what fulfills you in the future.
@Hollytail
Well explained 😊
So I would say that yes I have found my oen ikigai..... Three years ago when I decided to study psychology as i was so eager to help others... To interact with them and help them to talk about their most hidden fears... Issues... And that day and till now I am going forward to achieve my this goal my purpose. And I am so happy that I choose my purpose of life which is healing souls 😊