There is no direct translation in to English for the Japanese word ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-gah-ee). The term ikigai is composed of: iki and kai. Iki refers to ‘ life ‘; kai is a suffix meaning roughly ‘ the realization of what one expects and hopes for. Ikigai refers to finding happiness and joy in the small, day-to-day activities rather than reaching some final goal that promises bliss. It encompasses finding meaning in the small things. In fact, a person’s ikigai gives them a reason for living even when they are unhappy or miserable in the moment.
Ikigai refers to finding happiness and joy in the small, day-to-day activities rather than reaching some final goal that promises bliss. It encompasses finding meaning in the small things. In fact, a person’s ikigai gives them a reason for living even when they are unhappy or miserable in the moment.
Everyone, according to Japanese culture, has an ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self.
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