Your reason for being: Ikigai

Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that dates back to the Heian period, between 794 to 1185. It refers to the sense of purpose or meaning in life that gives individuals a reason to wake up in the morning and live each day to the fullest.

The concept of ikigai is often depicted visually as a circle, with four quadrants representing the areas of one's life that contribute to a sense of purpose: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. When these four areas overlap, it creates a sense of ikigai.

• Passion refers to the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. It is the spark that ignites our inner fire and gives us energy and motivation.
• Mission refers to our values and the impact we want to have on the world. It is the driving force behind our actions and the reason we do what we do.
• Vocation refers to the work that we are uniquely suited to do, whether it is paid or unpaid. It is the work that allows us to use our skills and talents to their full potential.
• Profession refers to the work that we do to earn a living. It is the work that provides us with financial security and allows us to support ourselves and our families.

When these four areas overlap, it creates a sense of ikigai and helps us to feel fulfilled and satisfied with our lives. It is the sweet spot where our passions, values, skills, and financial needs intersect, and it is what gives us a sense of meaning and purpose.

The concept of ikigai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is an important part of the country's philosophy of living a balanced and fulfilling life. It is a reminder that finding purpose and meaning in life is essential to our well-being and happiness, and it encourages us to pursue the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. So, it is a very important concept in Japanese culture.