Ikigai
For years, I searched for “happiness”. I’ve looked for it in people, settings, and things, and in doing so, I experienced peaks of highs, and with those came very low lows. I don’t think I ever found the magic potion for true happiness in the conventional sense, but instead I’ve come to discover that the concept is quite subjective to the individual and their circumstances. What I had been looking for was something else—purpose, or (as some may say) a real zest for life.
I came across the book Ikigai in 2020 when I went looking for a new read at a random bookstore in Sydney, Australia. This Japanese concept presents the formula for happiness in the Japanese culture of Okinawa. I was skeptical at first because how could such an esoteric concept be proven by a formula of four steps? But through applying the principles of Ikigai to my day-to-day life, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my mental health and everyday drive. In discovering a purpose, I am more intentional with what I put my energy into because I know what I’m doing fulfills the truest version of myself.
Let me explain.
The concept of Ikigai is the intersection of four spheres of interests in one’s life:
What you love
What you are great at
What the world needs
What you get paid for
Essentially, Ikigai—this intersection of passion, talent, and benefit—means one’s journey to discovering their purpose in life and using their gift to help others. When we do something that brings us joy, we feel alive and full, and when we combine that fulfillment with something we are good at to give back to the world and get paid for, we are hitting the sweet medium of doing good for the world while also meeting one’s own' needs for love in this life.
My thoughts?
I’m one to believe that if we have life, we have purpose, and each of us was born with a gift. There is one thing that we do better than most in the world, and if we can find out what that is in order to provide for ourselves easily while also engaging in the hobby that brings us joy, we are inviting a lot of positive energy into our lives, which will allow us to vibrate at a higher frequency. And the higher the frequency of our energy, the clearer and more peaceful we will feel everyday.
Now that’s a pretty great life, if you ask me :)
Author: Leslie Lung 