Ikigai
Unwrap the secret of joyful, long life through Japanese concept Ikigai.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Understanding Ikigai
- Interconnectedness of Love and Work
- The Power of Microflow
- Art of Longevity
- Harmony and sustainability
- Joy of Little Things
- Resilience through Life’s Challenges
key point 1 of 7
Understanding Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to ‘reason for being’. This is a philosophical concept that intertwines the idea of happiness in life with the realization of hopes and expectations. It is an interplay of four fundamental elements of life: what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you are good at (your vocation), and what you can get paid for (your profession). It’s about finding a balance between these elements; too much of one can lead to feelings of emptiness or a sense of being lost. Striking a balance is key to achieving a sense of purpose or ‘ikigai’. ..Read&Listen More
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Interconnectedness of Love and Work
Interconnectedness of love and work is a central theme that is deeply rooted in the ethos of Ikigai. According to the underlying philosophy, when what you love, what the world needs, what you can be paid for, and what you are good at converge, you find your Ikigai or ‘reason for being.’ This suggests that love and work are not distinct, separate entities but are interconnected aspects of leading a fulfilling, meaningful life. Love for your work can lead to a sense of satisfaction, and work that you love can contribute to the well-being of the world. Your Ikigai lies in the intersection of these elements, and recognizing this interconnectedness can lead to a more harmonious, balanced existence…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
The Power of Microflow
In Ikigai, the concept of microflow is considered one of the key elements in achieving the state of ‘flow’, a term first proposed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Microflow refers to the absorption in routine, seemingly mundane tasks that are often taken for granted. The notion is that these small tasks can provide a sense of satisfaction and contentment, leading to a state of flow, where one is completely immersed in the activity at hand, losing track of time and self-consciousness. Microflow, therefore, is about finding joy and purpose in the ordinary and everyday tasks, and not just the grand and extraordinary ones…Read&Listen More
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Art of Longevity
The art of longevity, as illustrated in Ikigai, revolves around the concept of finding one’s ‘Ikigai’ – a reason for being, or the thing that makes you get up each morning. This is tied with the idea of a long, happy and fulfilling life. This philosophy suggests that those who combine their passions with their talents and skills, finding a sense of purpose in what they do, tend to lead longer and more enjoyable lives. This approach to life is not just about individual achievement, but also about contributing positively to society…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Harmony and sustainability
Harmony and sustainability are two core principles deeply embedded in the concept of Ikigai. Harmony, or balance, is the foundation of this Japanese concept. It is not merely understood as an equilibrium achieved among different facets of life, but rather as a dynamic state of existence where one finds satisfaction and meaning in everyday routines. It revolves around accepting the flow of life, embracing changes, and maintaining a sense of tranquility in the midst of chaos. Harmony in Ikigai means to live in concordance with nature, society, and oneself. It encourages individuals to pursue a lifestyle that brings peace, happiness, and fulfillment, while also promoting mutual respect and cooperation with others…Read&Listen More
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Joy of Little Things
The concept of ‘Joy of Little Things’ in Ikigai is eloquently described. Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy, signifies ‘reason for being’ or the thing that gets you up in the morning. This may often be misconstrued as grand achievements or milestones, but the book emphasizes the celebration of small, everyday joys. ..Read&Listen More
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Resilience through Life’s Challenges
Resilience through life’s challenges, according to Ikigai, is a process of harnessing inner strength and endurance. It is a matter of having a clear understanding of what our purpose or ‘ikigai’ is, which provides us with the motivation and energy to keep moving forward despite hardships. This concept doesn’t merely preach about withstanding life’s adversities but encourages thriving in them by remaining anchored to one’s purpose. This resilience is not about bouncing back to the original state after a setback, but rather evolving and growing stronger in the face of adversity. It’s about using the adversities as stepping stones to improve and develop oneself…Read&Listen More