Knowing why you live and what your purpose of being
The Japanese concept of ikigai may be new to you, but the French phrase raison d'être is more familiar. Both express the idea of your purpose in life.
Understanding your reason for existing and identifying your goals are vital elements of ikigai, potentially leading to a longer and healthier life.
This idea aligns with the African term “Ubuntu.” When individuals recognize their importance to society through contributions, they can experience a genuine sense of worth, which enhances both happiness and the will to live.
Being part of a community — whether friends, colleagues, or a local group — provides a sense of identity and purpose.
Knowing your true self allows you to discover what brings you joy, define your role, and shape your relationships. This self-awareness can help you ensure you are authentic and enable you to find meaning in daily life, which is your ikigai.
Active participation in a community strengthens connections to both your identity and your ikigai.
Living in blue zones offers insights into longevity. While not widely known in the West, the Japanese embrace ikigai. Journalist Dan Buettner notes that it significantly contributes to the high number of centenarians on Okinawa Island.
Buettner, who founded the website Blue Zones, contrasts Western lifestyles with those in “Blue Zones” globally, where people lead longer, healthier lives. Areas like Okinawa and Sardinia reveal valuable lifestyle habits that support remarkable longevity.
Unlike the common Western approach to retirement, the Japanese maintain a clear understanding of their ikigai. For instance, a 101-year-old karate teacher still works out daily, while an elderly fisherman catches fish for his family three times weekly. Check out Buettner’s limited series on Netflix, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.
In Japan, the concept of “retirement” is almost nonexistent. Héctor García, co-author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, points out the confusion around the term after living in Japan for 13 years. Although the nature of work may change, the Japanese continue to engage in productive activities.
In conclusion, ikigai is crucial for a long and healthy life. Strengthen community bonds to enhance your sense of purpose and deepen your connection to both your identity and ikigai. Embrace self-acceptance to truly understand who you are.