Having a sense of purpose can ground us during unsettling times. It diverts our attention toward the good we can do and away from the commotion. According to the American Psychological Association, studies show having purpose helps in times like these to “lower levels of depression and anxiety” and “build greater resilience after exposure to negative events.”
Safe to say that many of us could not define what our purpose is, much less how to find it. The UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center defines purpose as “an abiding intention to achieve a long-term goal that’s both personally meaningful and makes a positive mark on the world.” In Japan it’s known as ikigai, a passion that gives value and joy to life. “Roughly speaking, it’s the purpose of your life,” says Dr. Ken Mogi, author of The Little Book Of Ikigai, “the reason for getting up in the morning”.
Discovering our ikigai can take us on that journey to defining and finding our purpose. Dr. Mogi created signposts for the journey which he calls The Five Pillars: Starting small, Releasing yourself, Harmony and sustainability, The joy of little things, and Being in the here and now. Based on the Japanese philosophy of finding happiness and meaning in everyday life, putting these foundational pillars into practice can lead to the answers for those big questions we all have: What am I good at? What do I like to do? What are my strengths, my values, how can I contribute to the well-being of others?
- Starting small – Build a foundation for your ikigai by beginning with goals that are manageable and achievable. Concentrating on the reward of small victories will give you the groundwork needed to set and accomplish your larger life goals.
- Releasing yourself – Acknowledging your feelings and “being honest to your true self is very important in achieving ikigai,” says Dr. Mogi. Embracing your strengths and practicing self-compassion can release all that is truly unique about you.
- Harmony and sustainability – Choosing to live peacefully and in harmony with others and your environment creates the life balance needed to maintain you ikigai. Consider the impact your actions have and set your intention to make positive contributions to the world.
- The joy of little things – Appreciating the simple pleasures, and being grateful for them, is the ikigai way to happiness. Making a habit of doing your favorite things in the morning can carry that joy throughout the day.
- Being in the here and now – Practicing mindfulness and living in the moment frees us to relax and savor all that we encounter on our ikigai journey. When we enjoy the process rather than envisioning the reward, we can fully experience all that life has to offer.
Having a map makes the trip much easier, and using ikigai instructional tools can help get you pointed in the right direction. The Ikigai Workbook: A Practical Guide to Héctor Garcia’s Book “The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” is a companion piece for the international best seller. There are free downloads available, like the “Finding Your Ikigai” exercise toolkit from Positive Psychology and worksheets from Ikigai Tribe and SquareSpace. Whether it’s nurturing relationships, helping others in the community or completing projects, tapping into the benefits of using ikigai guides can help clarify what it is you want, and can, do for your benefit and the benefit of others.
Ikigai is a lifestyle, a continuing contemplation of purpose. Explore opportunities like taking up a new hobby or volunteering for causes that are meaningful to you. Stepping out beyond your comfort zone and living life with purpose can lead you on the path to being in harmony with what you care about most. Listen to yourself to discover where your passion lies. Whatever you do that fills your heart with joy, that’s your special purpose.
Does this sound like you? Someone you know or work with? RCNY’s team of Mental Health Coaches are available to listen actively, without judgement, and travel with you on your road to purpose. For more information you can have a confidential conversation with Cindy via phone at 631-921-4085 or reach her directly via email here.
Whatever stage of recovery you or a loved one are in, whatever level of support is needed, a member of The Recovery Coach NY team can guide you through assessing your strengths and developing goals for next steps. The Recovery Coach NY honors all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that can support those in need find the way to the life of joy and purpose they deserve. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek.
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