IKIGAI: THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS

“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions" -Dalai Lama

We often roam around in search of happiness, instead of looking for it inside ourselves. Our happiness and desires are dependent upon our actions.

There’s an island named Okinawa in Japan which is known as the home of the highest population of oldsters in the world. The secret is that they have “Ikigai”- The reason to get out of the bed every morning.

In simpler terms, your Ikigai is the one which gets you up each morning to keep you going.

SO, WHAT’S IKIGAI?

Ikigai is an old Japanese ideology which originated long back in the Heian period. It’s also associated with the long life expectancy of the nation. The word is a combination of two Japanese words- Iki which means “life” & Gai which describes worth or value. Ikigai is finding happiness in life through a purpose. People at the verge of deciding their career path usually search their Ikigai.

WHY IKIGAI?

After a lot of research, many scientists, sociologists and journalists hypothesized the benefits and truth behind the concept. According to their conclusion, one of the interesting theories states that Ikigai can help you to live longer with more directions and joys.

The Japanese are very serious about their Ikigai and it motivates them in several ways. Whether it’s related to their career or social relations and responsibilities, Ikigai has always helped them.

For example, the elder generation is highly respected and appreciated. Their experiences and opinions are valued which allows them to have a purpose and responsibilities towards society. In other words, they have got their Ikigai.

Interestingly, many research shows that when people retire early, the risk of early death is higher. But having an Ikigai helps them to find happiness even in small things. Ikigai provides them a reason to live even when they’re unhappy and miserable. It stimulates resilience.

Ikigai involves doing anything we love which also places an emphasis on performing a role which benefits a group as whole.

According to a program conducted on several centenarians on having Ikigai, the one thing which keeps you focused, interested and gives satisfaction may boost the youth DHEA hormones, ultimately leading to a happier and longer life.

HOW TO FIND YOUR IKIGAI?

If you are thinking about your Ikigai and are not sure about it, you can find it by following certain steps. The Ikigai Venn diagram shows the overlapping of four important qualities of a person’s life.

Ikigai is the convergence of four main elements:

●      What do you love to do?

●      What are you good at?

●      What the world needs from you?

●      What can you get paid for?

Your Ikigai is the intersection of all the 4 circles. It’s in the crossover of each point where your Ikigai stands.

If you have got something which you love to do, you are really good at, the world needs that skill and pays you for it, then, that is your Ikigai.

WHERE IS IKIGAI APPLIED?

Ikigai is an ideology which is majorly used in Okinawa, the southern island of Japan. This place is believed to have the highest ratio of centenarians to the population. The gentle weather, lower stress level and healthy diet are some of the factors, but it is the super active non-retiring and purpose driven population that connects them to the other long-living people of Sardinia, Greece and Italy. Even stress cannot stop these people from living a joyous and healthy life.

KEEP DIVERSIFYING YOUR IKIGAI

Retirement can lead to the sense of huge loss or emptiness for the people who find Ikigai in their work. Those who got their Ikigai in relationships might feel lonely when people leave them.

We need to keep diversifying and experimenting with our Ikigai throughout our life to keep ourselves going. Ikigai is malleable in nature and you can apply it in the best way you want.

Knowing your Ikigai creates a purpose to your existence which helps you to live a happier and healthier life. It gives you a reason to get out of your bed each morning and sleep with a satisfaction every night. Your Ikigai also motivates you to take better care of yourself as your life has a meaning now. Ikigai is one of the most satisfying and rewarding things for a person to live a more delighted and fulfilling life.