IkiGai
With today’s Wellbeing Wednesday I thought we could add an international feel and introduce you all to Japanese concept of IkiGai!
Originated in small islands of Okinawa which incidentally is same place where Mr Miyagi was from! (For older ones amongst you..Wax On wax Off!)
For people in Okinawa famous for long lives IkiGai roughly translated “a reason to get up in the morning”, that is, a reason to enjoy life.
Never mind the Karate kid — what’s it actually about?
Well, According to many in Japan everyone has an ikigai. Finding it however requires a deep and often lengthy search of self. Such a search is regarded as being very important, since it is believed that discovery of one’s ikigai brings satisfaction and meaning to life. Perhaps its what many would call their true self!
The word “ikigai” is usually used to indicate the source of value in one’s life or the things that make one’s life worthwhile. Secondly, the word is used to to refer to mental and spiritual circumstances under which individuals feel that their lives are valuable. It’s not necessarily linked to money, economic status or today’s comings and goings. In fact even if a person feels that today is a bit crap and dark, if they are centered on their connection and goal then in effect they may still feel ikigai. To feel or experience ikigai is not about actions or behaviours which individuals are forced to take — but rather natural and spontaneous ways of being. So a bit like random kindness it’s not an act but rather a lifestyle choice!
Which brings me onto our work and the extra unseen miles you are all going for your learners and the individual values you give to it. For many of us seeing the wonder of this connection in our work is a gift. And whilst life goes on and it’s not always emotionally or mentally accessible to our fingertips or consistently mindful; I’m pretty confident in knowing that as tutors and trainers we’ve all had these precious moments. A connection that’s been so positive and the work so enjoyable that it has felt life-affirming and no longer just work! Here, we have in effect embraced a solid smile and state of IkiGai!
It’s said that people can feel ikigai only when on the basis of personal maturity, the satisfaction of various desires, love and happiness, their encounters with others, and a sense of the precious value of life. Through such mindful connection, they proceed towards a self-realisation that some of us hit much later in our life. Some of us never and some of quite early. For many of us it’s a wonderful maze and perhaps the journey itself shall be our reward.
Hell says ‘abandon hope all ye who enter here’ ..but for us avid journey seekers hope itself it seems shall spring eternal.. so here’s to your own ikiGai .. long may it show you how!
Atif
