The origins of Ikigai
DISCOVER A LIFE WORTH LIVING
„In short, Ikigai is a spectrum. And the complexity of Ikigai actually reflects the complexity of life itself.“
Ikigai can be translated as "that which makes life worth living". However, there is no single definition or Ikigai diagram - which shows the multi-faceted nature and depth of Japanese philosophy.
Journaling Reflection:
Reflecting on the last few hours and days, what moments—big or small—have brought you a sense of fulfillment or joy? Consider experiences, interactions, or simple pleasures that made you think, "Life is worth living."
Take your time to write about these moments and explore why they felt meaningful to you.
„Therefore, there is no greater cruelty than to deprive people of their ikigai, and there is no greater love than to give people their ikigai.“
Kai-awase (貝合わせ "shell-matching") is a Japanese game with shells.
Exploring Value Through Daily Interactions: Inspired by Kai-awase
Kai-awase, a traditional Japanese game dating back to the Heian period, originally involved aristocrats composing poems about the shells' shape, size, and color and competing on their poetic skills. By the late 12th century, the game evolved into "Kaiōi," where players would match pairs of clam shells, separated into left and right halves. Over time, especially during the Sengoku to Edo periods, the game incorporated elaborately decorated shells, often adorned with gold and silver, and was featured in upper-class weddings as symbols of blessings.
Today, Kai-awase can inspire us to find value in our daily interactions. Just as the game involves matching pairs of shells, we can seek connections in our encounters—whether with people, nature, sports, or other experiences. Each encounter may reflect an element of our own "golden story," a moment that resonates with our personal journey and values.
Reflective Practice:
Consider your recent interactions and experiences. Which ones mirror elements of your life's golden moments? This could be a meaningful conversation, a beautiful scene in nature, or a moment of achievement in a sport or hobby. By identifying these connections, we can appreciate the richness of our daily lives and the unique value each encounter brings to our personal story.
Exploring Ikigai and Ikigai-kan – The Source and Feeling of Ikigai
In this session, we delve deeper into the concept of Ikigai, exploring its origins and the feeling known as Ikigai-kan—the inner sense of purpose and fulfillment. We will discuss how recognizing and nurturing these feelings can lead to a more meaningful and enriched life. Through reflective exercises, you'll learn to identify and connect with the sources of your own Ikigai, enhancing your everyday experience.
Good news about Ikigai
The good news is that we can find value without exclusive, decorative and golden things. We can discover ikigai in the most ordinary interactions of our daily lives.
Just ask yourself:
What "little moments" did I experience today that I almost missed?
What encounters have I enjoyed in the last few days that I had almost forgotten?
IKIGAI Test & Reflection
You can dive deeper with our interactive Ikigai test. If you have already done it, please feel free to do it again. We are almost certain that doing it again will give you some new insights.