FINDING YOUR PURPOSE // So tell me. What truly moves you? What makes your heart beat faster? What makes you get up early in the morning all happy and exited? It is kind of hard to answer this question, isn’t it. I mean, there is not one good answer. This question is different for every one and the answer will change during your lifetime. 

Everyone has something that makes them excited. Something that gives you energy and make you loose track of time. It can be spending time with your family, being out in nature or creating something with your hands. The moment you forget about time, when you don’t worry for the future or think about what happens in the past. The moment you are truly present, physically and mentally. When you don’t get distracted by irrelevant thoughts or have the urge to look at your phone. These are the moments you are mindful & focused. 

So why is that important? Well the moment you are completely present, those are the moments your mind is at peace. It will help fighting anxiety, lowers your stress levels and to cope better with negative thoughts and emotions. It keeps you grounded and connected to yourself and everything around you. It is the key to stay healthy and happy. 

But not only being in the moment is essential to find happiness, also having a purpose.  In Japan they call it your Ikigai. It is the Japanese words ikiru, meaning “to live”, and kai, meaning “the sensation of what hopes for”. Together these definitions create “a reason to live” or having a life purpose. Your Ikigai is the reason to wake up in the morning, to appreciate life every day. 

‘the moment you are completely present, those are the moments your mind is at peace’

Did you ever think, if I had this much money I would be happier or when I have that house I will be fulfilled. Most people think that way, but the pursuit of happiness is not in possession, wealth or success. It is having a purpose. Your Ikigai.

To find your Ikigai you have 4 questions that can help you;

• What do I love? (your passion)

• What am I good at? (your vocation)

• What can I be paid for? (your profession)

• What does the world need? (your mission)

These important questions can lead you to find your Ikigai. If you write them all down, you might find out there is some overlap here and there. But be honest when you answer them. Don’t think about what the world needs, or what you think you need to do. It is about what you need, what makes you feel alive. 

There are 5 pillars that the foundation of Ikigai;

• Starting small → Focusing on the details.

• Releasing yourself → Accepting who you are.

• Harmony and sustainability → Relying on others.

• The joy of little things → Appreciating sensory pleasure.

• Being in the here and now → Finding your flow.

If you master those, you are well on your way to find your Ikigai. It is not something that will you will find overnight. It will take some focus and time to really find the things that truly move you. For some it will be more obvious than for others. When you are far away from your true self, it will take some time to figure it out. And like your needs and passion is changing with you, so does your Ikigai. 

-x-

FINNA