What is Ikigai?
Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki ‘alive’ or ‘life.’ and gai, for ‘benefit’ or ‘worth.’ When combined, the terms either life worth or a benefit of being alive/life. Similar to the French term “raison d’etre” or ‘reason for being’..it is said to have evolved from basic health & wellness principles to traditional Japanese medicine. This tradition holds physical wellbeing and has affected many. Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano said in 2007 that ikigai is a state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys. He was referring to sense of fulfillment. AsIkigai resonates with Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy, the activities produced enjoyment and a sense of mastery. Ikigai appears to have the concept of flow. Described in the work of Hungarian–American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi; a flow occurs when you are in your zone, similar to high-performing athletes.
