Ikigai is our reason to get up in the morning. The concept of time vanishes as we perform our ikigai.
Ikigai - to immerse oneself into the things which we love…
Ikigai - to stay active physically and mentally while being
involved thoroughly…
Ikigai -the reason not to get a retirement throughout life…
Ikigai - to like, love something beyond limit…
I loved this concept of ikigai...Mostly I refrain from
Reading self-help books. Simply because whichever ways the author suggests to
improve ourselves, I fail to implement the said underlying principles. When two
of my friends recommended the book, I made up the mind to have a look. And well
it turned out a great book!
Principles of ikigai are not very difficult to follow. The
book teaches us quite opposite ways of living Modern Life. The principles of
modern life management have been tossed. And all ideas about living life have been
discarded. Ambitions, hurry, multitasking has no place in it. It is just a
simple way of living life being immersed in oneself.
“Modern life estranges us more and more from our true
nature, making it very easy for us to lead a life lacking in meaning. Powerful
forces and incentives (money, power, attention, success) distract us on a daily
basis; don’t let them take over your life.”
I am quite an impatient person. I like to hurry up, finish
things quickly. If something doesn't work, I hop over other things quickly.
Ikigai taught me a lesson, hurry is bad for health. It creates unnecessary
stress. You should surely perform your tasks quickly, but with a calm mind and
focus. Not eyeing on the outcomes but being involved in the FLOW is important.
In life, be like flowing water and never stagnate in life. When we are in flow time stands still. We do
not look at the watch but we take utmost pleasure in the process. We should
surely set goals. But enjoy the process instead of freaking about outcomes. I
am always too obsessed about outcomes. That's why I have hopped over from one
thing to another for too many times. But Ikigai has given me a ground to do the
things which I love. It emphasizes the importance of routine. Sticking to a routine,
carrying out the same things, but still enjoying the process, the flow!
One can have more than one ikigai. I feel I have many Ikigais.
To choose between one and another is difficult, but I would keep exploring. I'm
working on a mathematics project professionally. On day to day basis, I love
cooking, writing, making animated videos, etc. I also like painting/sketching. There
are too many things on the plate and choosing just one is difficult. Ikigai
wants us to have a clear objective. Focus on a single task and avoid
multitasking. So, I just need to keep exploring. As of now, I am having a great
time with what I am doing. I do not feel lazy, do not get bored. (There is no
time to get bored). But a single ikigai is missing!
“Art, in all its forms, is an ikigai that can bring
happiness and purpose to our days. Enjoying or creating beauty is free, and
something all human beings have access to.”
I am mentally active most of the time. I just need to be
physically more active. Ikigai has objections to strenuous physical activity. It
teaches us to do moderate exercise daily. It also describes the amazing physical
exercises from the East given to the world like radio taiso, yoga, tai chi,
qigong, etc. It underlines the importance of Play daily to add cheerfulness. It
says this is the secret of longevity.
It also has an opinion on food intake which I am following
for many years i.e eat less; eat up to 80% of your stomach capacity. Never fill your stomach fully. Increase the portion
of fruits and vegetables in the diet. Eat less sugar (Very Difficult ☹).
Eat a variety of food as much as possible. Japanese eat 206 types of dishes frequently.
Well, Indian (vegetarian) recipes must be much more than that. But we need to
include the healthy ones.
Ikigai also describes the concept of Moai - being connected
to life around, nature, and other fellow human beings. Being thankful for
nature and other people around gives us enormous strength and keeps us rooted
to the ground. So, give thanks to the ancestors, nature, friends and family,
and God. This emphasizes the need for daily prayer. Surrounding oneself with
good friends, smiling, laughing gives freshness to life and makes one want to
live longer.
Ultimately living in the present moment, to not look for
regrettable past and enjoy the life pursuing the passion which gives utmost joy.
Surely Ikigai has underlined valuable principles. Only thing is to follow it
religiously no matter what comes in between.
“Life is pure imperfection, as the philosophy of
wabi-sabi teaches us, and the passage of time shows us that everything is
fleeting, but if you have a clear sense of your ikigai, each moment will hold
so many possibilities that it will seem almost like an eternity.”
Read the book Ikigai...
Search for your ikigai...
Follow your own Ikigai - the reason to get up in the morning!
