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Ikigai. You've probably heard this word before. Or maybe you are familiar with the four circle diagram. Needless to say, it's a hot topic today.
Ikigai - living a hundred years he althy and happy
But what does ikigai actually mean? However, there is a lot of information about it, as the Japanese concept is also widespread in the western world. But if you are only now coming across the Japanese term, then we would like to explain it to you in detail. So read on and find out what the Japanese word Ikigai stands for?
The correct pronunciation of the Japanese word is I-ki-gai
Before we delve too deeply into Japanese philosophy, let's start with the correct pronunciation of the Japanese word. It is pronounced exactly as it is written: I-ki-gai.
Life is precious! Find your own reason for it!
What is ikigai?
There are some places in the world where people live longer on average. Author Dan Buettner has researched these regions and dubbed them "Blue Zones." This includes Japan, and in particular the island of Okinawa.
Ikigai plays an important role in the he alth and vitality of Okinawans. In addition to eating habits and the living environment, this Japanese philosophy of life is the focus of a he althy life. Because this philosophy makes it possible to look to the future even in difficult times.
Enjoy life according to the Japanese art of living
I-ki-gai is a Japanese term that means something like "reason to get up in the morning". In French it is called "raison d'être". It is a combination of the words "iki" which means life and the word "kai" (pronounced like gai) which represents value, effect, result or benefit.
Do you find your inner peace?
According to Japanese philosophy, everyone has an ikigai. Where your passion, mission, calling and career intersect is yours ikigai This is best illustrated by the overlapping circles of a Venn diagram.
Where do the four circles overlap?
The four circles represent:
- what you love
- what the world needs
- What you get paid for
- what you are good at
Your ikigai is where the four circles overlap.
How the Japanese concept is represented by a Venn diagram
You can only practice the Japanese art of living when you know what ikigai actually means to you. For many people, this first requires an intense search for the self. But when you take your first steps into the Japanese model of life, start by creating a Venn diagram.
It's about finding your own meaning in life and having something in life that is worth getting up for
The benefits of an ikigai seem clear. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning. You love your work, enjoy your everyday life and have a clear meaning for life. In combination with a he althy diet and a nice living environment, this is an important part of a he althy and long life.
In a rapidly changing world, more and more people are looking for a way to combine their passion and their talents to contribute to society. That's basically what ikigai is.
In search of happiness…
The bottom line
The Japanese art of living is about having (finding) a goal in life, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Your ikigai is where a number of things come together: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It is the point where your passion, mission, craft and calling intersect.
What do you think about that? Have you found your ikigai yet? Or are you still looking?
An Ikigai book can further help you to find yourself and live happily
