As a continuation of learning how different countries / cultures have developed ways to uniquely look after their own wellbeing, I thoroughly enjoyed the book - Ikiigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. This was also complimented with watching 'Live to 100 - The Secrets of Blue Zones.
To clarify - the purpose, in my mind, of wellbeing is not to live to 100 but to understand what underpins people living longer.
Back to the Japanese concept of Ikigai that provides a framework for individuals to find their own purpose in life that enables a sense of wellbeing.
Ikigai, a Japanese term that roughly translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning," is a multifaceted concept that integrates elements of passion, vocation, mission, and profession. At its core, Ikigai represents the convergence of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
It's the sweet spot where these four elements intersect, creating a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Having understood this perspective, I use this as a reference point for my own purpose and that of My Life Tonic.
The intersection of these four elements forms the Ikigai diagram, representing the harmonious balance that leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and well-being.
Ikigai encourages introspection and self-discovery to identify the activities and pursuits that bring genuine joy and satisfaction. By aligning your passion, vocation, mission, and profession, you can unearth a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
One of the broader aspects of Ikigai is its emphasis on contributing to the greater good. By identifying how your passions and skills can meet societal needs, you create a sense of purpose that extends beyond personal gratification. This balance between personal fulfillment and sense of wider contribution is integral to holistic wellbeing. In the context of My Life Tonic, the sense of supporting people make changes combines the sense of purpose with also making a difference.
Ikigai recognizes that true well-being is not just about financial success or personal achievements but involves nurturing every aspect of the self. By incorporating passion, vocation, mission, and profession into your daily life, you create a holistic approach to self-care that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
Ikigai is an ongoing process that encourages continuous learning and growth. By acknowledging that passions and skills can evolve over time, Ikigai enables us to embrace change, stay curious, and remain open to new possibilities, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. I keep returning to the 5 Pillars of Wellbeing - of which ongoing learning is one - Keep Learning or Problem Solving.
Ikigai instills a sense of resilience by encouraging individuals to pursue what they love, even in the face of challenges. This resilience stems from the alignment of personal passions with professional pursuits, creating a buffer against the inevitable hardships of life. Resilience, or Sisu in Finnish, acknowledges how overcoming obstacles has a positive impact on our wellbeing.
Ikigai acknowledges the importance of relationships and community in the pursuit of wellbeing. By contributing to the needs of the world, individuals create connections and a sense of belonging that enhances their overall happiness and life satisfaction. The first Pillar of Wellbeing, shared previously in a blog post, is focused on Connecting with Others .
From my perspective, Ikigai provides a unique philosophy or framework that helps provides context - purpose, vocation, mission and profession.
As we've also seen several of the elements that underpin the framework are found in other applications of wellbeing. It's this that I find particularly interesting - in that different countries (or cultures) have independently applied the same principles in their pursuit of wellbeing.
What do you think?
