Seeing Earth from space changes everything
Part 3 of 5 exploring Ken Mogi’s five pillars of ikigai; “Harmony and Sustainability”
🌸 ikigai is a reason for being, your purpose - from the Japanese iki 生き meaning life and kai 甲斐 meaning worth 🌸
I was moved to tears this week.
I saw our beautiful blue marble spinning in the black.
If you ever get a chance to see Luke Jerram's installation Gaia, I highly recommend it.
I sat in a pew at St Thomas' church Thursday lunchtime and just looked up in awe. The soundtrack really added to the experience, as did the surroundings. Inspiring.
A meditative and reflective 30 minutes.
It is my biggest dream to go into space. To see our fragile blue marble against the black with my own eyes. Until then, this made me feel super emotional and brought home to me the connectedness of everything.
Beneath Gaia; Harmony and Sustainability
Gaia is designed to move you, for you to experience the ‘Overview Effect’;
“The installation aims to create a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.”
I sat in the quiet of the church, gazing up at the seven-metre wide representation of our planet crafted from detailed NASA imagery and it was brilliant. Accompanied by a poignant soundtrack in stunning surroundings, I felt a shift in perspective.
The feeling of connectedness I experienced, the interdependence of life on Earth, felt true to the core principles of harmony and sustainability.
Understanding Harmony and Sustainability
I talked about Ken Mogi’s 5 pillars of ikigai in my Back to the Drawing Board post recently, and mentioned his The Little Book of Ikigai, each provides a unique lens through which we can view our lives.
Harmony and Sustainability (調和と持続可能性): The third pillar focuses on living in harmony with others and the environment, contributing to a sustainable society. In practice, it could involve collaborating with others, sharing your knowledge, and making decisions that are not only good for you but also for the broader community and environment.
We are encouraged to look beyond ourselves, considering our relationships with others and the natural world as integral parts of our well-being.
Harmony in the context of ikigai isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about actively creating relationships that are mutually supportive and beneficial. It's about recognising that our well-being is deeply interconnected with the well-being of others. This concept extends to how we engage with our communities and even how businesses operate, promoting cooperation over competition.
Sustainability refers to practices that do not deplete resources or harm ecological systems, ensuring that they are available for future generations. This aspect of the pillar challenges us to rethink how our lifestyles and choices impact the world around us, urging us to make decisions that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
What does this mean in practice?
Living harmoniously means fostering relationships that encourage mutual growth and support. It's about making conscious choices that contribute positively to our communities and the planet.
Sustainability in this context is about thinking long-term, ensuring that our actions today do not hinder future generations.
Consider Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand that has embedded sustainability into its business model. Patagonia uses recycled materials, promotes fair labour practices, and actively engages in environmental activism. Their commitment extends beyond profit, influencing the entire industry toward greater ecological responsibility and inspiring consumers to think critically about their purchasing habits.
Benefits of Harmony and Sustainability;
Improved Mental Health:
When you sync your life with others and the environment, you feel better, mentally and emotionally. It’s like the relief you feel when everything in your house is in order, but it’s your life. You’re part of something bigger, and that brings real peace of mind, cutting down on stress and boosting your mood.
Stronger Communities:
Focusing on sustainability makes our neighbourhoods tougher against both natural disasters and economic troubles. When we all chip in, whether that’s through local gardening projects, recycling initiatives, or community-supported agriculture, our communities become places where people support each other more and everyone gets a better shot at a good life.
A Lasting Impact:
Choosing to live sustainably means you’re setting up a good example for kids and future generations. It’s about leaving the world a bit better than you found it. Think of it as investing in the future, not just with money, but with every choice you make. That’s a legacy anyone can be proud of.
Three Steps to Get Started;
Reflect on Your Daily Choices: Start small by assessing the sustainability of your daily actions. Can you reduce waste, or make more eco-friendly choices? Evaluate your environmental impact. Simple changes like reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting sustainable businesses can have a significant impact. Consider what changes are feasible for you and start integrating them into your life.
Engage in Community Activities & Build Mindful Relationships: Whether it’s a local clean-up or a community garden, get involved. Collaboration can be key to sustainability. Seek to build connections that are based on mutual respect and understanding. Foster environments, both at home and at work, where everyone feels valued and heard.
Share Your Journey: As you make changes, share what you learn. Inspiring others is a powerful way to multiply the impact of your efforts. Use your voice and platform to advocate for sustainable practices. Share your journey and the lessons you've learned. Education is a powerful tool in fostering a more harmonious and sustainable society.
Share Your Journey
As we journey through life, embracing the pillar of Harmony and Sustainability is not just about finding our own ikigai, it's about shaping a world where everyone can find theirs.
This path requires mindfulness, proactivity, and a commitment to tread lightly on our planet.
To reflect on what Harmony and Sustainability means in our lives.
How do your daily choices align with these principles? Are there small steps you could make to foster a more sustainable lifestyle and community?
Let's start a conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, and commitments in the comments below. How will you integrate these principles into your life? What challenges do you anticipate, and what support do you need to overcome them?
Together, let’s inspire each other and expand our community of mindful individuals dedicated to building a harmonious and sustainable world.
Sarah, seeking ikigai xxx
PS: If you want to follow me on this journey and explore the next pillar of ikigai; “The joy of little things” then please chuck me a like on this post - a tiny thing for you to do that means a lot to me and ensures my post gets a little more visibility - and subscribe for free if you haven’t already done so. Thank you SO SO Much.
PPS: Today’s musical accompaniment is the fantastic Colin Hay’s Beautiful World. I’ve had the joy of watching him live, he’s such an entertainer 😍