Ikegai is a Japanese concept meaning reason for being.
It's about finding joy,
Fulfilment and balance in the daily routine of life.
It sits at the intersection of four elements.
What you love.
This is your passion.
What the world needs.
This is your mission.
What you're good at.
This is your vocation.
And what you get paid for.
This is your profession.
When these four elements harmonise,
You have found your Ikegai.
However,
It's not about perfection in these areas,
But the ongoing journey of self-discovery and understanding,
Making adjustments and finding balance as needed.
So let's settle down into this meditation.
Finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes.
Allowing your eyes to close and with visual distractions removed,
You can start to go deeper within.
Taking a few gentle,
Deeper breaths.
Inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth.
Allowing your body to relax.
Releasing any tension you may be holding.
Returning to a natural breathing flow.
Noticing the out-breath.
And on the out-breath,
Starting to do a gentle body scan.
As I mention areas of the body,
Time your exhalation with that area releasing,
Relaxing.
Take your awareness into your feet and toes.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Into the calves and knees.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Into the thighs and into the hips.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Into the lower back and upper back.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Into the stomach and chest.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Into the shoulders.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The upper arms and elbows.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The forearms and wrists.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The hands,
Fingers and thumbs.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
Up into the neck.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The jaw,
The mouth and the tongue.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The cheeks and the eyes.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
The forehead and scalp.
And on the out-breath,
Relax.
And now your entire body.
Three gentle out-breaths,
Relaxing the whole body.
Letting go.
Letting go.
Letting go.
As you sit there,
Relaxed,
Sinking deeper within.
Bring your focus to the concept of Ikigai.
Once again,
This Japanese term represents the intersection of four key elements.
Your passion.
Your mission.
Your vocation.
And your profession.
It's that perfect sweet spot where you find fulfilment,
Happiness and purpose in life.
Now imagine a beautiful,
Radiant light at the centre of your being,
Symbolising your Ikigai.
As you breathe,
Let this light grow stronger and brighter,
Illuminating your inner self.
Begin to reflect on your passions.
What activities or hobbies bring you joy and excitement?
Allow these thoughts to flow freely,
Without judgement or expectations.
Take some time to take note of the emotions and sensations that arise as you consider your passions.
Next,
Consider your mission in life.
What impact do you want to have on the world?
How do you wish to contribute to the well-being of others?
Take some time and let these thoughts guide you as you visualise the ways you can make a difference.
Now turn your attention to your vocation.
What are the skills,
Talents and abilities that come naturally to you?
Take some time to reflect on how you can use these gifts to create value and meaning in your life and for others.
Finally,
Contemplate your profession.
What is your ideal career or job that aligns with your passion,
Mission and vocation?
Take some time to envision yourself in that role,
Feeling a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Now take time to recognise the intersection of these four elements within you.
Acknowledge the unique blend of passion,
Mission,
Vocation and profession that creates your Ikigai.
Feel the sense of harmony and balance it brings to your life.
Resting your awareness on the breath once again.
As you breathe in,
Imagine the radiant light of your Ikigai expanding within you,
Filling every cell of your being with purpose,
Joy and fulfilment.
As you breathe out,
Visualise this light flowing outward,
Touching the lives of others and making a positive impact on the world.
As we near the end of this meditation,
Set an intention to carry the essence of your Ikigai with you throughout the day.
Knowing that you have the power to create a life filled with meaning,
Happiness and fulfilment.
And bringing your awareness into the feet and the hands once again.
Bringing your awareness to the breath.
Taking a slightly deeper,
Awakening breath.
And opening your eyes,
Slowly returning.
