a reason for being

Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being”. The word refers to having a direction or purpose in life, that which makes one’s life worthwhile, and towards which an individual takes spontaneous and willing actions giving them satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life. From Wikipedia.

What is my purpose?

In our modern digital world this question gets asked more and more, particularly on a Sunday evening as we brace ourselves for another Monday morning.  

As we squeeze into jobs we do not fit and do nothing but bring us misery. The weekend is our only salvation from this world, but the two days fly by fast and disappear like smoke. This was my life and I am grateful to have the opportunity to change.

I am a great believer that the universe provides me with the tools that I need, and the lessons I need to use them. I do not believe in coincidences, I see it more as little reminders that there is more to this world than what we see. 

Today was one such moment, Ikigai came into my life through a suggested video on YouTube and to be honest I usually ignore those suggestions. But today I pressed play, and Ikigai entered my life.

I have more control of my life than I believe, like a stone thrown into a pond the effects of a change of mindset ripple out and disturb the stillness. I feel more open to new concepts, and I now have the confidence to explore them.

The four pillars of Ikigai are set out in the diagram above,  At first glance it seems like a no brainer in an ideal world everyone would do what they love and what they are good at. 

The stumbling block for me and I guess for most people is what the world needs and what you can be paid for.

What the world needs?

As the world becomes more and more automated and those humans still in the workforce are themselves  put under pressure to become more like machines. The world needs creative freedom to explore both what is within and what is without. 

What you can be paid for?

In simple terms you can get paid for what you produce, but that is becoming increasingly outdated. I am terrible at monetising anything I do, it actually makes me uncomfortable however the bills keep coming. One of my life goals is to overcome this and allow myself to be paid for what I love.

Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that gives us an alternative perspective to the question “What is my purpose?” 

Thank you for your time.

Long Walk Creations.