What is IKIGAI? How it can help you find your PASSION & PURPOSE of Life? Sharing my experience with IKIGAI !

“Be led by your curiosity, and keep busy by doing things that fill you with meaning and happiness.” ― Hector Garcia Puigcerver, Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the two words "iki" (meaning life) and "gai" (meaning worth or value). It refers to the sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy that comes from living a meaningful life.

According to the concept of ikigai, each person has a unique purpose or reason for being, and finding and pursuing that purpose leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and well-being.

To practice ikigai in life, one needs to explore and align four essential elements:

1. Passion: Discovering what you love and what brings you joy. It involves identifying activities, hobbies, or interests that make you feel enthusiastic and energized.
2. Mission: Identifying what the world needs or what you can contribute to society. It's about finding a way to make a positive impact and contribute to a cause or community.
3. Vocation: Determining what you are good at, your skills, and strengths. It involves recognizing your talents and abilities that can be utilized to make a difference.
4. Profession: Considering what you can be paid for. It involves finding a way to support yourself financially while pursuing your passion, mission, and vocation.

When these four elements intersect, it is said to create a state of ikigai, where you experience a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy in life.

 Let's understand the concept using some examples:

A musician: Someone who is passionate about music, has the skills and talent to play an instrument, and shares their talent by teaching others or performing for an audience. They find joy and fulfillment in bringing the gift of music to others while earning a living through their passion.

A social entrepreneur: A person who is passionate about a particular social issue, such as education or environmental sustainability. They start a business or organization that addresses that issue, using their skills and expertise. They find fulfillment in making a positive impact on society while aligning their passion with their profession.

A teacher: Someone who loves working with children, has the skills and knowledge to educate others, and makes a difference in students' lives. They find purpose and joy in imparting knowledge and shaping the future generation while earning a living through teaching.

A writer: An individual who is passionate about storytelling, has the skills and creativity to write, and shares their stories with the world. They find fulfillment in connecting with others through their words while making a living through their writing.

These examples demonstrate how individuals can integrate their passions, missions, vocations, and professions to live a life of ikigai. By aligning these elements, people can experience a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in their daily lives.

How IKIGAI helped me find my PASSION?

Finding your passion is a crucial aspect of discovering your ikigai. We mostly lack clarity of what is exactly our Passion, since, we really don't understand what actually Passion stands for. So, let's first understand what Passion means:

Passion refers to a strong and intense enthusiasm or interest in a particular activity, subject, or cause. It is a driving force that ignites motivation, dedication, and enjoyment. Discovering your passion is an important step towards finding fulfillment and aligning your interests with your profession.

Here are some steps you can take to apply the concept of ikigai to find your passion:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your interests, strengths, and what brings you joy. Ask yourself questions like:

  - What activities make me lose track of time?

  - What do I enjoy doing in my free time?

  - What subjects or topics am I naturally drawn to?

  - What activities make me feel energized and fulfilled?

2. Explore new experiences: Step out of your comfort zone and try new activities or hobbies. Engage in diverse experiences to discover new passions. Attend workshops, join clubs or organizations, or volunteer in different areas of interest. By exposing yourself to various experiences, you increase your chances of finding something that truly excites you.

3. Identify your values: Reflect on what is important to you in life. Consider your core values, principles, and beliefs. Your passions are often aligned with your values. For example, if you value environmental sustainability, you may find passion in activities related to conservation or eco-friendly initiatives.

4. Experiment and iterate: Don't be afraid to try different things and experiment. It's okay to explore multiple interests and passions. Engage in activities, take up projects, or pursue hobbies related to your potential passions. Pay attention to how each experience makes you feel and whether it aligns with your values and brings you joy.

5. Seek inspiration: Look for role models or individuals who inspire you. Read books, articles, or watch documentaries about people who have found their passion and are living fulfilling lives. Their stories can provide insights and inspiration for your own journey.

6. Pay attention to feedback: Notice the positive feedback or compliments you receive from others. Sometimes, the things we are naturally good at can indicate our potential passions. Consider the activities or skills others appreciate about you, as they may lead you to your true passions.

7. Be patient and persistent: Finding your passion is a process that takes time. It's okay if you don't discover it immediately. Be patient with yourself and continue exploring different avenues. Stay open to new experiences and be persistent in your pursuit of discovering your passion.

Remember, finding your passion is a personal and unique journey. Embrace the process, be open to exploration, and listen to your intuition. By applying the principles of ikigai, you can increase your chances of finding a passion that brings you fulfillment and aligns with your purpose in life.

I found that I lost track of time when I was teaching / training people, I lost track of time when I was reading / learning something, I lost track of time when I was listening to music / singing. I studied my patterns and focused on my calling and I am thankful to God and the Universe which helped me find my Purpose in Life which actually resonate with my name "Alok".

In Sanskrit, "Alok" (आलोक) means "light" or "brightness." It can refer to both physical light and metaphorical light representing knowledge, enlightenment, or spiritual illumination

The purpose of my life is to enlighten the life of all who come in my contact and spread happiness and prosperity everywhere I go and whomsoever I meet. I just want to go with the flow always.

“The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow.”― Hector Garcia Puigcerver, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life