In recent years, you may have started to hear the term \u201cIkigai\u201d or see its well-known four circle diagram. This philosophy is widely followed within Japanese culture and has now become popularized overseas as the \u2018Japanese secret to a happy and long life.\u2019 Ikigai guides individuals to discover their raison d\u2019\u00eatre or reason for being through many different but integrated aspects of life. This concept believes that applying personal passions and talents to the world will result in the happiness and benefit of being alive. Here we describe the definition and origins of Ikigai and break down the Ikigai diagram.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Originating from\u00a0traditional Japanese health principles, Ikigai (ee-key-guy) follows the notion that mental and emotional well-being has a direct effect on one’s physical condition. The term Ikigai goes way\u00a0back to the 14th century and is composed of two parts: iki<\/em> meaning life\/the state of being alive, and gai<\/em> referring to benefit or worth. Together they roughly translate to the happiness of living a full life. The Ikigai philosophy unifies various facets of your life to unveil your source of true value and meaning. Your Ikigai is your highest level of desire and\u00a0it’s\u00a0what inspires you to get out of bed every morning. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This describes the activities and hobbies that are you deeply passionate about at your very core. Whether it\u2019s quality time with loved ones, solo traveling, or growing your plant collection – these are what bring you the greatest joy in your life. Regardless of how good you are at it or whether the world needs it\/will pay for it, these interests are what make you feel most alive. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your special talents and accumulated skills over the course of your lifetime are what represent this sphere. Everyone has a distinctive characteristic that makes them stand out in a certain environment. Despite your fondness for it and the world’s demand for it, this is a particular area where you are gifted. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to define the \u2018world\u2019 as humanity in its entirety or just as your own town\/social circle, these are the services that they need. Their demands could range from more school teachers to clean water \u2013 but either way, this is their\u00a0need that is not fulfilled.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The norm for our society is to work for the majority of your lives, and therefore it\u2019s important to also consider the vessel through which you can sustain your living. Your Ikigai doesn\u2019t have to revolve around your career, however, a little practicality and logic should also be factored in. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of factors in this diagram to consider, but the good news is that the desire for Ikigai is a universally shared human experience and everyone has their own reason for being. Finding the sweet spot where your interests and\u00a0skills can come together to also benefit the lives of others is your Ikigai. Many individuals struggle to find their life purpose, however, Ikigai doesn\u2019t have to be an overwhelming dream or something that makes you rich. You can find your Ikigai from that simple feeling that life is worth living. Rather than the outcome, this practice focuses on the journey of reaching your Ikigai. This manner of living is said to provide you with a strong feeling of fulfillment and leave you with the highest and most long-lasting sense of happiness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In recent years, you may have started to hear the term \u201cIkigai\u201d or see its well-known four circle diagram. This<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7944,"featured_media":209728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[170],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-209727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-plantoflife-blogs"],"yoast_head":"\nExplanation of the Ikigai Diagram <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What You Love<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What You\u2019re Good At<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What the World Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What You Can Be Paid For<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Can I Find My Ikigai?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n