IKAGI

Ikigai

Composed of two Japanese words iki (meaning life, alive) and kai (effect, result) the term can be roughly translated into “a reason for living”. The goal of ikigai is to discover what you should be doing in life to obtain a sense of purpose. According to this philosophy, a reason for living is hidden in the centre of 4 overlapping segments: passion, mission, profession, and vocation. You will discover your ikigai by asking yourself 4 important questions: what you love doing, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

The ikigai philosophy implies that you should first find your passion and then see how what you are good at can help the world, and bring you financial safety. According to research, finding your purpose in life can help you live longer, and have a more meaningful life. It is believed that ikigai philosophy is partly responsible for the long life expectancy among Japanese people extending way past 100-years of age.

Lessons to Learn from Japanese Philosophy of Living

The principles of wabi-sabi and ikigai are inherently connected, and together can help us find happiness and balance in our lives. Wabi-sabi teaches us that we are all transient beings on this planet. By following the natural birth and death circle, the wabi-sabi reminds us that everything is prone to damage and decay. And the human body is no different. That’s why we should accept our imperfections and enjoy the ageing process rather than fight it. Ikigai, on the other hand, teaches us to spend our time wisely, by focusing on meaningful things in life. Devoting our time to building our strangest and perfecting our skills, will eventually lead to well-paid professions we enjoy, but also contribute to society as a whole.

read the full article about WABI SABI and the ART OF JAPANESE LIVING here