Ikigai

 

Wish to reintroduce a well-known Japanese concept of life called IKIGAI, roughly translates to "Reason for being" or "Have a sense of purpose of life". In Indian philosophy too we have similar thoughts like Dharma (living with principles), Sadhana (practice), Seva (helping others), Ananda(enlightenment), Swadharma (being true to oneself). Though we know that we are here for a purpose and a reason, a sense of clarity on how to achieve it is blurry and incomplete in some way for many of us.   

Here are few key take aways of Ikigai principle: Try to stay active(even after you retire), Take It Slow (embrace the pace of life), Don’t Fill Your Stomach(may be 80%), Surround Yourself with Good Friends(emotional balance), Get in Shape for Your Next Birthday(refer and compare with yourself, not others), Smile(often than not), Reconnect with Nature(rejuvenates your mind), Give Thanks(sense of gratitude), Live in the Moment(not the past, not the future).  

If we try to follow above listed take aways, we may be able to find our ikigai, it shouldn't always be a breakthrough event of life but could be even small things that would sum up to finding our purpose. Ikigai is not the same for all. State of being happy, feeling complete is not a goal/destination, rather it is a journey. Hope we all find the Ikigai that makes us find our passion, and lead fulfilling life ahead!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MyWeightLossJourney

Image
In the early 2000s, I weighed 60kg and reached 80kg by the late 2010s. During COVID-19, stress and inactivity pushed my weight to 100kg, affecting my self-confidence. An ankle injury derailed my plans to exercise, leading to ongoing weight issues despite various diet attempts.  At the beginning of 2024, I have decided to break free from this hide and seek. I resolved to walk more despite my ankle pain, gradually increasing my activity by tracking steps and weight. Small dietary changes (like cutting down white sugar, oily food etc.,) also helped.    Even on days when I felt the urge to be lazy and take fewer steps, I pushed through and persevered, never losing hope. My determination to overcome limitations, consistency in my routine, and encouragement from friends and family were key to my 13Kg weight loss journey in this year. I hope to maintain this and continue to strive ahead on my health journey. Please do share your inspirational health journey as comments...
Read more

Kashi_Trip_2024

Image
      Last December, my friend and I spent four days in Varanasi (Kashi/Banaras), the holy city in Northern India. Known for its Ganga River, pilgrimage sites, and significance in Hindu culture, Kashi is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. I took time to write this blog to cherish my experiences.          Things not to miss in Kashi: Numerous temples, Ganga Aarthi (river ceremony with lamps) in the morning and evening, boat rides along the 84 Ganga Ghats, especially DasaAshwamedh Ghat, and visiting the cremation sites Harishchandra Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. Also, explore Sarnath, where Buddhism's first teachings occurred, and the city's maze-like alleys with diverse eateries (Kashi Chat Bhandar,  Ram Bhandar, try famous local winter delicacy Malaiyo).     Expecting a spiritual experience, I was surprised by life lessons from Varanasi's humble people. They embrace life's ups and downs, finding beauty in everyday ...
Read more

The Three Circles of Life

Image
Here is a wonderful concept I came across. I would like you all too know this. In principle we have 3 circles in our life, which deals with most of the things we wish or see or feel or find or accomplish, also shows what is the simplest way to have happiness or peace in life. Everyone all the time, wishes the world would go the way they want it to be. Most of our problems arise because we don’t know into which circle each topic belongs to, we misplace, we mix up and we don’t know where to stop our efforts, our synergies, our feelings, our worries, our emotions etc. The Circle of Control: Also, can be remembered as the ‘I’ circle. It’s a circle which is in your full control and deals only with yourself. To List what belongs into this circle is too exhaustive. It is different for different people. Try to place here the situations/things/actions/feelings etc. which you fully own and can be improved by you. Work on them one at a time, even if you are not doing it currently! E.g., Food, ...
Read more