Ikigai is an old Japanese practice, believed to have been founded in Okinawa, Japan, several hundred years ago by a Zen Buddhist priest. It’s literal translation means “a reason for being” and centres around finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life. The practice focuses around 4 main elements - what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for.

I have found snippets of Ikigai and it’s benefits over the years, but only recently dived a bit deeper into it. Various studies both within Japan and abroad have found that those people who practice Ikigai have an overall more well-balanced life, are perceived to be happier and have a lower mortality rate amongst the elderly. A fundamental aspect of those who practice it, is the focus on grounding and maintaining a sense of presence, 2 aspects that along my search for happiness have been common denominators in achieving sustained happiness.

The core elements believe focusing on your strengths and passions creates a more in depth feeling of fulfilment and purpose. The focus on considering these elements and how it contributes to the world gives a strong sense of unity, community and meaning and finding something that you can be paid for, I guess is just the cherry on top. While being able to attain a job or wage that is a direct route of the former, means you can sustain it over the long term.

Reading articles about groups of people in Okinawa in Japan, that practise Ikigai, primarily elderly, it seems they are more active, more connected, healthier and happier. Obviously various other factors would contribute to this like nutrition, exercise and availability of activities, groups, clubs etc. however, focusing on the present moment, finding passion in all that you do, constantly working towards your strengths and always looking to give back for the greater good. All these things would contribute strongly in the search for happiness and fulfilment in life.

By practising Ikigai or even portions of it can lead to a reduction in stress, anxiety and improve overall health and well-being. Whether this is something that interests you and is something you would like to follow or just reading some articles around it’s benefits and comparisons around the lifestyle choices of those who practice it vs a normal western style lifestyle. There is something positive in there for everyone. Even as I write this I am being drawn more and more to the concepts, practise and potential to help me on the search for happiness.

“If you look that right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden” - Nancy J Holland

Thanks,

Dean