🌸 ikigai is a reason for being, your purpose - from the Japanese iki 生き meaning life and gai 甲斐 meaning worth 🌸
It’s coming to the end of my favourite time of year on the beautiful Isle of Man, the tiny Island of my birth. My favourite flowers, the bluebells, are fading fast and pink blossoms are falling from the trees.
We are 85,000 people living on a landmass 33 miles long and 13 miles wide. Right in the middle of the British Isles, pretty much equidistant between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Nowhere is very far from the sea, or from a dank, dark green glen.
Like many of my culture, I believe in magic and have a deep respect for the Little People. Sophia Morrison wrote in 1911;
“THERE is at least one spot in the world where Fairies are still believed in, and where, if you look in the right places, they may still be found, and that is the little island from which these stories come - Ellan Vannin, the Isle of Mann”
I see a gorgeous pink blossom tree with a carpet of bluebells on my daily walk, a symbol of the cultural blend going on in my mind.
How does our Manx Gaelic phrase of traa dy liooar, meaning "time enough" gel with the Japanese 生き甲斐 ikigai? I picture a bluebell-sakura flower fairy chilling in a glen *grin*
Is my love of ikigai cultural appropriation?
It is my fervent hope that my interest in ikigai does not fall into the category of cultural appropriation. I approach my research and my consideration of this theme, with a deep respect, admiration and a genuine desire to learn.
Understanding Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation often involves a power imbalance where a dominant culture takes elements from a marginalised culture, usually without understanding or respecting their significance. This can lead to misrepresentation, exploitation, or disrespect of the original culture. Factors to be considered carefully to ensure balance;
Interest and Respect - if my fascination with ikigai stems from a deep appreciation and respect for Japanese culture, it is more likely a form of cultural exchange. This is especially true when learning about ikigai in a way that honours its origins and context. Engaging with a culture thoughtfully and respectfully is generally seen as positive and enriching rather than appropriation.
Intent and Impact - Consider your intent and the impact of your actions: Intent: Are you seeking to understand and incorporate the principles of ikigai to improve your own life, while respecting its cultural roots? Impact: Are your actions likely to be perceived as respectful by those from the culture you are engaging with?
Learning and Sharing - When you share your experiences with ikigai, it's important to acknowledge its origins and give credit to Japanese culture. This helps prevent the erasure of the cultural context and shows respect for its source.
Evolve and apologise if you get it wrong - As I’ve read more I realise how naive I was in my earliest mentions of ikigai. I have written about this and no doubt I will continue to as I keep growing. I’ve currently not edited essays just added to my understanding. There were even instances like pronouncing ikigai wrong in my earliest videos. I’m sorry I got it wrong!
Fascination like this can be a meaningful engagement with another culture if approached thoughtfully. By educating ourselves, honouring the cultural context, and sharing learning with acknowledgment of the origin, we can enjoy and benefit from the principle of ikigai without crossing into appropriation. It's all about the balance between appreciating and respecting the cultural heritage of the practices you are integrating into your life.
Sharing my Manx culture
I’m proud of my own cultural heritage and love sharing it with others. We are a melting pot, though I like many, love to draw attention to the Gaelic and the Viking.
From Wikipedia; Humans have lived on the island since before 6500 BC. Gaelic cultural influence began in the 5th century AD, when Irish missionaries following the teaching of St. Patrick began settling the island,[11] and the Manx language, a branch of the Goidelic languages, emerged. In 627, King Edwin of Northumbria conquered the Isle of Man along with most of Mercia. In the 9th century, Norsemen established the thalassocratic Kingdom of the Isles, which included the Isle of Man. Magnus III, King of Norway from 1093 to 1103, reigned as King of Man and the Isles between 1099 and 1103.[12]
I love considering what growing up here has changed in me. There is something special in living in such a small place with a very distinct border difficult to cross. Perhaps we learn at an early age to be careful in what we do or say, and are more community focussed as there is no place to hide here.
Many people move here for a better work-life balance and talk about the slower pace of life.
A popular saying is Traa dy Liooar, which means “time enough” in Manx Gaelic. This philosophy encourages us to take life at a slower pace, emphasising patience and the idea that there’s always enough time to do what needs to be done. It’s a reminder to step back, breathe, and not rush through life.
Traa dy liooar teaches us the value of patience and mindfulness. It’s about savouring the moment and recognising that some things can and should wait. In our fast-paced, always-on world, this approach can be a breath of fresh air.
There’s beauty in the art of patience and trusting in the timing of life.
Traa dy liooar reminds us to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the journey.
Synthesising ikigai and traa dy liooar; the art of slow purpose
How are these two philosophies integrating in my brain?
I think about pursuing ikigai with the grace of traa dy liooar. Finding our purpose but also allowing ourselves the time to grow and evolve into it.
These two beautiful ideas can help us find balance, purpose, and joy in our everyday lives.
I can use traa dy liooar as an anchor, a phrase that reminds me to slow down, trust the process, and let things unfold naturally. I invite you to do the same if it is helpful.
Blending gives me the Art of Slow Purpose, a framework that can help us find deep fulfilment without the frantic hustle. Here’s how they play off each other:
Purpose with Patience: Ikigai gives us direction, while Traa dy Liooar reminds us not to rush. Together, they encourage us to pursue our passions and goals with patience and care, ensuring we don’t burn out along the way.
Mindful Fulfilment: Traa dy Liooar’s mindfulness complements ikigai’s pursuit of purpose. It helps us enjoy the journey as much as the destination, finding joy in each step rather than only focusing on the end goal.
Holistic Wellbeing: By integrating these concepts, we prioritise both our mental and physical wellbeing. Ikigai drives us to engage in meaningful activities, while Traa dy Liooar ensures we take breaks and appreciate life’s small pleasures.
Here are some practical steps to embrace both Ikigai and Traa dy Liooar:
Reflect on Your Passions and Skills: Take time to identify what you love and what you’re good at. Journaling can be a powerful tool here.
Serve Others: Seek out what the world needs and look for ways to contribute to your community. Find causes that resonate with you and get involved.
Be Patient: Trust that good things take time. Don’t rush the process. Enjoy the journey and celebrate small victories. Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate patience and reduce stress.
Balance Work and Rest: Pursue your goals with dedication, but remember to rest and recharge. Balance is key to sustainable success and fulfilment.
Living with Slow Purpose
Sharing cultures can be enriching, but it must be done thoughtfully, honouring the traditions and histories they come from.
By merging the purposeful drive of ikigai with the mindful patience of Traa dy Liooar, we can create a life that is both deeply fulfilling and wonderfully balanced. The Art of Slow Purpose encourages us to pursue our passions with intention and mindfulness, ensuring that we enjoy every step of the journey.
Find what makes you come alive and pursue it with grace.
Embrace this framework with respect and enthusiasm. By doing so, we can find greater happiness and live each day with both purpose and peace.
There’s always time enough to craft a life worth living.
PS; I adore the serendipity that both places have important mothers of culture. I LOVE the fact that Sophia Morrison was so important in curating, protecting and adding to Manx culture. Much like Mieko Kamiya being credited as the Mother of ikigai.
“Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
PPS; Did you know the Bee Gees were born on the Isle of Man?! Robin Gibb singing the unofficial Manx anthem >
PPPS - Please share with me your culture, or your thoughts on how mine plays into ikigai, Sarah, seeking ikigai xxx
Its great to hear that you are trying your best to honor Japanese culture. Not all white people take the time and energy to respect the eastern roots properly (and be willing to admit their mistakes.) Kudos to you!
And this is the first time I’m hearing about Manx culture. Would love to learn and read more about that! Sounds fascinating.