IKIGAI MEANING
Imagine waking up every morning with a sense of purpose, excited about the day ahead and confident in your choices
— are you struggling to find purpose?
WHAT IS IKIGAI?
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Ikigai meaning
Ikigai is a Japanese concept relating to finding meaning, joy and value in your daily life. Many people relate it to “finding their purpose”.
The term “Ikigai” derives from the amalgamation of the suffix “Gai” signifying value or worth, and the verb “Ikiru” (iki), meaning to live.
Together these two elements make up the word Ikigai which can be interpreted as “The value of living”.
— are you struggling to find meaning?
not ikigai meaning!!!
What does Ikigai mean? If you do an internet search you will find images of a venn diagram similar to that shown here. This is a western interpretation of Ikigai and one that sadly and often unwittingly is used by coaches to try and help people find their Ikigai.
This diagram was in fact used by Guernsey entrepreneur Mark Winn after he heard a ted talk on Ikigai and applied it to a venn diagram that had been created by Spanish astrologer Andrez Zuzunaga some years earlier to explain purpose.
Both Winn and Zuzunaga openly admit to knowing very little about Ikigai and are the first to agree that this diagram did not originate in Japan and does not help you find your Ikigai. Whilst this diagram can be a useful tool in a commercial setting to help you think about a career, the diagram is not Ikigai.
Interested in learning more?
Join my next Ikigai masterclass
— are you struggling to find joy?
ikigai meaning ……..
What does Ikigai mean? There is no single agreed definition of Ikigai, but we can agree the genuine Japanese life philosophy of Ikigai is far more than the misconception of the Western model of four questions.
Ikigai includes embracing daily routines, finding joy in the small moments of life and living in alignment with your core values in order to lead a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
To find and implement the guiding light of Ikigai requires a holistic life approach which for most people includes:
· Building and nurturing healthy relationships
· Identifying and fulfilling multiple roles in your life
· Seeking meaning and purpose in all aspects of your journey
· Appreciating the beauty of everyday experiences
People who have found their Ikigai have reported higher levels self-esteem, better mental well-being and lower levels of depression. It has also been linked to longevity, and delaying the symptoms of dementia.
If you are feeling stuck and unfulfilled, then getting clarity on what is important to you and why, can help you create a life aligned with purpose, and a way of living with motivation and resilience.
hELEN rOBINSON –
The UK’s ONLY ICF and Ikigai certified coach
Imagine waking up every morning with a sense of purpose, excited about the day ahead, and confident in your choices!
