ikigai

with great change comes new possibility for the value in living.

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How do we find our ‘reason for being’?

History has shown us one such opportunity dating back to the early 17th Century Japanese Tokugawa shogunate. The country endured a long period of relative isolation from the world: caused by Sakoku, ‘closed country’, the isolationist foreign policy. 

During this period the Japanese synthesized a unique set of cultural values and beliefs. One of these is the concept of ikigai, roughly translated to ‘reason for being’ or ‘value in living.’  

In our modern world, ikigai is reflective of our inner self. Ultimately making adjustments to create a mindset whereby we feel safe to effortlessly navigate the outer world. Designing our ikigai gives meaning to work, relationships and the whole of life.

We now have evidence that ikigai can activate our mind and body in remarkable ways:

    • It has been shown to strengthen resilience and feeling that life has purpose even during hardship. One sample reported Japanese people with ikigai had coped better during the uncertainty of an earthquake that occurred in March 2011.

    • Research links it to internal authority. A study linked people with low ikigai to a high need for external approval vs. those with ikigai tending to perform tasks for their own satisfaction. 

    • It may allow for a longer life. A seven-year long study of 40,000 Japanese adults showed correlation between people with a low sense of ikigai and a higher overall mortality risk, mostly due to cardiovascular disease. Men and women with high ikigai, rated high in positive psychology and longevity..

The wisdom of mind and body connected with the heart, may hold our ikigai: ‘reason for being’ and ‘value in living’.

What happens when you reach a crossroads in life? When something has changed and you can’t go back to the way you lived before?

How do we navigate the waters of chaos, self-doubt and pressure?

Increase your ikigai by making adjustments in these 5 areas:

• Attitude: Find a practice, like morning meditation, that allows you to start your day with calm and ease. Doing this consistently will greatly help you maintain perspective, as well as cultivate empathy, stability and presence. You will find that consciousness expands so that you are open to having the experience — good or bad — knowing you will be OK no matter what.

• Balance: How are you giving? How are you receiving? Energy comes in the form of time and attention so we must manage these resources well. Know when you need to refill your cup with self-care rituals, or time out with friends.

• Grit: How does one develop mental stamina, resilience, and toughness to persevere through hard times? By developing the courage to take risks, learn from success and failure, and keep on going. Read motivational books, or watch an inspiring TED Talk.

• Body: Eat (not too much, mostly plants), move, sleep and BREATHE. Regulation of the nervous system depends on these four factors. A regulated person is more prepared to meet challenges of external whirlwinds with flexibility and sturdiness.

• Nature: Take time to be in the organic rhythm and artful flow of your local gardens, hiking trails or seaside.

Nature always wears the colour of the spirit.

Emerson