Finding yourself—through learning, experimentation, creativity, and self-reflection.

Ikigai offers a structured approach to discovering your purpose and existence, and living a meaningful life. As we age, we often ask ourselves, “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?”, “How will I be remembered?” or “What brings me happiness?” Ikigai is one of the ways many have found guidance.

You may have come across the Venn diagram, which was created as a Western interpretation of the concept of ikigai. While it is a helpful tool and an interesting perspective of what ikigai might embody, it’s not an accurate representation of ikigai. As with most Japanese or Buddhist philosophies and practices, it’s challenging to create a literal or graphic representation that describes their precise definition and interpretation. Ikigai goes beyond a single diagram.

Ikigai is more than finding your perfect career or finding prosperity by doing something that you’re good at or passionate about. It’s not about consumerism. It’s not about having a high level of skills or talents in a particular area. What ikigai is, is about the presence, feeling, and believing that you are alive and your life is worthwhile. Ikigai helps one recognize their value and a life worth living. For example, one may feel that caring for their child, their musical abilities, or farming is their ikigai. It provides consciousness and motivation for living a happy and fulfilling life.

Listed below are a few questions to help you begin to find your ikigai:

• What inspires you to get out of bed every morning?

• What do you want to achieve in life?

• What brings you joy?

• How would you create fulfillment in your life?

• How do you pay someone back or pay someone forward with your unique abilities?

• What fills your heart, mind, and body with love and completeness?

• What do your friends, family, and community appreciate most about you?

Steam curls from rice bowls —
small hands reach, and she smiles wide,
the day has meaning.