The Japanese philosophy of Ikigai
became established in the 8th century on the island territory of Okinawa. When
translated, iki means ‘life’ and gai represents ‘hopeful expectation’.
Ikigai promotes ‘the individual’s raison d’etre’ or ‘reason to be
throughout a long and meaningful life’.
Guided by a simple framework, it
encourages each one of us to seek an ideal balance of life’s needs in relation
to our personalities. A successfully fulfilling career is not necessarily one
that only exists at a high-flying executive level but one that harmonises with
the unique qualities of your inner-self. Achieving this balanced contentment is the surest route to a long, worthwhile
and healthy life.
Here are 8 tips to help you achieve fulfilment
using the Ikigai framework:
1. Discover your Unique Ikigai
On a sheet of paper, draw four circles
that overlap in the centre. Each section represents the motives that directly
affect your life: what you excel at, what you adore, how you can earn and if
your skill is of use to anyone.
The ultimate aim is to adapt your
career to ensure your personal fulfilment. When compiling your chart, remember
the phrase ‘to your own self be
true’. Only by being honest will you find your Ikigai
and real purpose in your life and career.
For instance, if your Ikigai chart
reveals a love of plants but in reality, you’re stifled by an office
environment, a career in horticulture might be of greater benefit to your
personal well-being.
2. Spare Time for the Present
Planning for the future is part of
building a life that realises ambitions and ensures financial security.
However, Ikigai is a reminder that a personal journey through life should also
value the present. Time can never be recaptured so pause occasionally to
appreciate the unique opportunities of each day. Enrich the quality of today by
spontaneously visiting an exhibition, trying a new hobby or relaxing with a
favourite book.
3. Harness Energy from Nature
Japanese culture places a great value
on the restorative forces of nature. Appreciating an inspiring landscape of
majestic forests, hills or lakes restores balance to a stressful life. Its
powerful antiquity is reassuring and calming. Admiring the intricate beauty of
flowers or listening to birds singing, reminds you of the harmony to be found
in nature. The force of the natural world helps put your own existence into
perspective renewing your energy and purpose.
4. Learn to Remain Active
Aim to extend the usefulness of your
physical life by establishing a routine of regular exercise. As you get older,
try adopting gentler activities such as walking, yoga or tai chi. Keeping your
muscles and joints supple and flexible is important in maintaining mobility
when pursuing a career in your later years.
5. Eat for Health
To achieve a life of worthwhile
longevity with the assistance of Ikigai, you need to keep your body balanced
with natural, healthy food. There isn’t a diet to follow, simply an awareness
of consuming balanced amounts of essential vitamins and minerals through fresh
ingredients. It is a Japanese tradition to practise hara hachi bu, a regime
where meals leave you feeling around 20% hungry. It accelerates your digestive
metabolism which then quickly raises your energy levels.
6. Seek Inspirational Companionship
Balance the energy to be gained during
bouts of solitary contemplation with the warmth of good company. Enjoy
stimulating conversation to keep your mind sharp. Relaxation and laughter
amongst friends are essential for your well-being. However, Ikigai isn’t all
about yourself. Maintain an ideal balance by sparing time for relatives and
friends who might be in more need of companionship than you are.
7. Avoid a Worthless Retirement
The philosophy of Ikigai is primarily
to achieve purpose, energy and fulfilment throughout a long, contented life.
The Japanese belief is that total retirement from a useful working life is
detrimental to physical and emotional fulfilment. It’s important that every day should still have a
worthwhile purpose and motivation, factors that are especially
beneficial in old age. When the time is right, followers of Ikigai continue
useful employment by simply exchanging high-flying careers for roles that are
less demanding.
8. Be Adaptable
Using the philosophy of Ikigai, allows
you to regularly reassess whether your career is still suited to the
ever-changing circumstances of your life. By honestly reflecting on what you
enjoy and accomplish well, then seeking to combine this knowledge with earning
a financial reward is a method of retaining motivation and following a useful
existence throughout your life.
Ikigai helps you understand how you can
achieve and benefit from a fulfilling career that is uniquely tailored to your
individual personality.
Kindly Note : All ideas and materials presented herein are for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended for commercial or trading purposes. Neither does it mean to misguide anyone. Kindly make informed decisions on your own risk. Neither livettcelearn.blogspot.in website nor any of its owner shall be liable for any errors or delays in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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