๐ธ ikigai ็ใ็ฒๆ is a reason for being, your purpose in life - from the Japanese iki ็ใ meaning life and gai ็ฒๆ meaning worth ๐ธ
The world can be scary.
Changing so rapidly and full of fire and fury (if you spend too long on social media). I am so sad to see the recent transphobic hate and far-right rioting thuggery.
I think itโs more important than ever to have your own internal sense of purpose. A map to stop you getting lost for too long in the negative.
I hugely recommend going on an ikigai exploration journey as a way to bring SO much positivity practice into your life, hereโs three of my favourite benefits;
โโ๐ธ motivation
โโโโ๐ธ clarity
โโโโ๐ธ happiness
Iโm sure youโve come across Maslowโs hierarchy of needs, the motivational theory in psychology that comprises a five-tier model often drawn as a pyramid;
Physiological needs; basic requirements for survival - oxygen, water, food, shelter, and sleep
Safety & security needs; protection from the elements, law & order and the freedom from fear
Love & belonging needs; family, friends, intimacy and a sense of connection
Self esteem needs; respect, recognition, status and freedom
Self-Actualisation; the desire to become the best that you can be
Put simply we need our basic needs to be met before we can think about other motivations and drives in life. The idea that as we move up the list we can become better humans and give more to the world.
If youโd like to read up more on this theory then Positive Psychology have an updated article I recommend, hereโs a snippet I thought interesting to share;
โMaslow developed his theory during the Second World War, a time of global upheaval and change, when the world was grappling with immense loss, trauma, and transformation. This context influenced Maslowโs emphasis on the individualโs potential for growth, peace, and fulfilment beyond mere survival.โ
We all want to thrive rather than just survive, yeah?
I know itโs a privilege to have the headspace to try to be a better human being. Itโs because I have my basic needs met, and a good chunk of the higher ones most of the time too.
I have a roof over my head, access to clean water and enough money to live without too much stress most days, assuming the boiler or car donโt pack in of course. Oh and I donโt live in a war zone.
I want this opportunity for everyone, I hate that so many on our planet are not as blessed.
For a lot of us though, we live vastly better lives than most people ever have in history. Hot showers, healthcare and supermarkets are taken for granted, but absolutely fundamentally magical in how much better we live right here and right now.
Iโm also lucky to actually still be alive, Iโve known far too many beautiful souls taken too early.
They deserved a longer time, but I can honour them by appreciating what I have and trying to make a difference in their memory as much as for my own. We are here for a good time not a long time peeps.
For me, ikigai offers a framework where existential pursuits are deeply intertwined with our intrinsic needs. In The Little Book of Ikigai, Ken Mogi identifies five pillars: starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things, and being in the here and now. I think these align beautifully with Maslowโs Hierarchy of Needs.
Starting Small โ Physiological Needs; Like Maslow's physiological needs, "Starting Small" emphasises the basics. Focusing on small improvements and appreciating everyday moments builds a foundation for growth and thriving.
Releasing Yourself โ Safety Needs; Safety needs align with "Releasing Yourself" where security comes from authenticity and self-acceptance. Embracing your true self fosters inner peace and confidence, creating a stable environment for growth.
Harmony and Sustainability โ Love and Belonging; This highlights the importance of nurturing relationships with others and the environment. A sense of community and belonging is vital for well-being and contributes to a supportive society.
The Joy of Little Things โ Esteem Needs; Esteem needs match "The Joy of Little Things," where appreciating simple pleasures builds self-esteem and confidence. Celebrating small victories encourages growth and achievement.
Being in the Here and Now โ Self-Actualisation; Self-actualisation is reflected in "Being in the Here and Now," emphasising mindfulness and pursuing our ikigai, or purpose. Living authentically and aligning actions with values leads to fulfilment and meaning.
A holistic approach to wellbeing that mirrors our fundamental needs, providing a path to happiness rooted in understanding ourselves and our place in the world. By integrating ikigai into our lives, we can find fulfilment and joy, leading to a more meaningful and happy existence.
The synthesis of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology guides me towards a life of purpose and contentment, I hope you find it useful too!
I keep coming back to my simple ikigai hypothesis that the root of many peopleโs unhappiness is not having a clearly articulated purpose in life.
I think ikigai solves this, so I will keep striving to articulate that in as many ways as I can and hopefully connect the dots for some others too.
What makes you jump out of bed each morning? What feels like play to you, even if others see it as work? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Sarah, seeking ikigai xxx
PS; Here are some practical bullet journaling prompt ideas to go with this essay, feel free to pick one to explore this weekend over a cup of gorgeous coffee *grin*
Reflect on the "basic" comforts in your life (like a hot shower) and journal about what life might have been like for you only a few hundred years ago without them.
Think about a time when you felt most authentic, what societal expectations did you release, and how did this impact your sense of safety and well-being?
Describe a relationship or community connection that brings harmony to your life. How does this relationship contribute to your sense of belonging?
List three "little things" that brought you joy today. How do these small pleasures contribute to your self-esteem and sense of achievement? Are they signposts on your path to ikigai?
Consider your current pursuits and passions. What makes you "jump out of bed each morning"? How well do these align with your personal values and what the world needs?