Did you miss the wellness workshop Discovering Life's Purpose? Watch the recording and learn more about the Ikigai methodology, presented by América Braun and Rodrigo Rocha. They shared its key concepts, the steps to follow, and some of the benefits of integrating it into our daily lives.
The Discovering Life's Purpose: Ikigai Methodology workshop is part of the Teaching and Leadership dimension of the Faculty Well-Being Program. We invite you to explore this approach further.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai is a Japanese term that translates to "reason for being" or "life purpose." It represents the intersection of four fundamental elements:
- What you love: Your passions and activities that bring you joy.
- What you are good at: Your skills and competencies.
- What the world needs: The needs of society that you can fulfill.
- What you can be paid for: Activities that can provide you with income.
The convergence of these four aspects helps you find a purpose that brings meaning and fulfillment to your life.
How to Discover Your Ikigai?
Braun and Rocha suggest the following recommendations:
- Start with small actions:
- Take small steps toward your interests and passions.
- Avoid seeking immediate major achievements; focus on gradual progress.
- Free yourself from limiting expectations and beliefs:
- Question social norms that don’t resonate with you.
- Identify and “let go” of beliefs that prevent you from pursuing what you truly desire.
- Seek harmony and sustainability:
- Ensure your goals are sustainable in the long run.
- Evaluate whether your objectives contribute to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Find joy in the little things:
- Don’t tie your happiness to achieving big goals.
- Learn to appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life.
- Live in the present:
- Focus on the present moment to reduce stress related to the past or future.
- Practice mindfulness to enhance your overall well-being.
Benefits of Applying Ikigai in Your Life
- Greater satisfaction and personal fulfillment:
- Aligning your activities with your life purpose increases your sense of fulfillment.
- Reduced stress and anxiety:
- Living according to your Ikigai can lower stress levels and promote better mental health.
- Improved quality of life and longevity:
- Having a clear purpose is associated with a longer, healthier life.
- Continuous personal development:
- Ikigai encourages lifelong learning and growth, keeping the mind active and engaged.
- Positive contribution to society:
- By focusing on what the world needs, you can make a meaningful impact on your community and surroundings.
Recommended Books:
- Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life – Francesc Miralles & Héctor García
- The Ikigai Method: Awaken Your True Passion and Fulfill Your Life Purposes – Francesc Miralles & Héctor García
Applying the Ikigai methodology can guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life, aligning your passions and skills with the world's needs while ensuring a satisfying source of income.
Watch the workshop recording here!
