At the heart of our 7-week workshop called “Odyssey to a Zen Life: Navigating the Labyrinth of Purpose and Wellbeing” we delve into the profound Japanese concept of “Ikigai,” which can be loosely translated to “a reason for being.” Through this beautiful Venn diagram of life, we find the confluence of four significant spheres: What do you love? What are you good at? What does the world need from you? For what can you get paid?
Today, I’ll recount a personal story, illustrating how Ikigai isn’t just a philosophical ideal but a tangible reality we can observe and learn from. We’ll witness this concept come alive by walking with me through my parents’ paths.
My Father’s Green Haven
My father’s fingers, from as far back as I can remember, always had traces of soil under the nails. His love for gardening wasn’t just a hobby—it was an intrinsic part of who he was. His mornings were spent amidst the chirping of birds, watering the plants, and often talking to them (yes, talking!). For him, plants were not just static elements of nature; they were living, breathing creatures that responded to love and care.
From a deep-seated love and a natural proficiency for gardening, my father’s journey sprouted into something even more significant. His meticulously crafted gardens drew admiration, and he soon metamorphosed this ardour into a bustling business.
Word of the local “Plant Whisperer” spread rapidly, and soon, a deluge of requests began to inundate him. But here’s where my father’s unique touch further shone. Determined to maintain the integrity of his craft and maximize his dedication, he made a strategic choice: he accepted only local projects. This meant less time on the road and more time tending to each project with the meticulous care it deserved.
In the grand design of Ikigai, his life vividly manifested all of its integral elements. Engrossed in what he adored, refining his expertise, and catering to a community’s desires, he found his rewarding niche—both emotionally and monetarily.
Let’s break down the story of my parents using the framework of the four pillars of Ikigai.
My Father’s Story (Gardening and Business):
- What He Loves (Passion):
- The joy of gardening and nurturing plants.
- Spending time outdoors, cultivating and creating beautiful landscapes.
- The satisfaction of seeing a garden come to life under his care.
- What the World Needs (Purpose-Mission):
- Beautiful, well-maintained landscapes and gardens.
- A reliable gardener who understands the importance of local plants and landscapes.
- The creation of green spaces in urban and residential areas.
- What He Can Be Paid For (Profit-Vocation):
- Offering gardening and landscaping services to local clients.
- Building a thriving business based on his expertise and reputation.
- What He’s Good At (Profession):
- His “green thumb” and expertise in gardening.
- Efficiently managing his time and tasks by focusing on local projects to minimize travel.
- Building relationships with clients who trust and value his skills.
My Mother’s Magical Threads
Contrasting my father’s lush realm was my mother’s colourful world of textiles. An artisan seamstress, her love for sewing was not just about the stitches; each piece she crafted narrated a tale. Whether it was garments tailored for pivotal moments or dresses for day-to-day wear, her creations were more than attire—they were woven memories.
Her skill with the needle was unparalleled. People recognized that and soon, her passion transformed into a small-scale home business. Clients would come with requests, sometimes challenging ones, and she would weave her magic, ensuring every stitch and every seam was perfect.
My mother’s journey intersected three significant portions of the Ikigai diagram: what she loved, what she was excellent at, and what she could get paid for. The world needed her craft. Her clients weren’t just paying for clothes; they were investing in memories, experiences, and significant life events.
Ikigai: A Confluence of Passions
Reflecting on my parents’ stories, it’s evident that while they might not have consciously identified it as ‘Ikigai,’ their lives resonated with its ethos. My father, with his thriving green business, and my mother, with her evocative tapestries, showcased how personal passions can beautifully align with purpose and profession.
As we journey further into this workshop, I encourage each participant to introspect on their own Ikigai. Ponder on the crossroads in your life—the passions, the talents, the societal needs you address. In embracing this introspection, may you uncover your unique roadmap to profound contentment and purpose.
Let’s break down the story of my parents using the framework of the four pillars of Ikigai.
My Mother’s Story (Seamstress):
- What She Loves (Passion):
- Crafting, designing, and sewing.
- The joy of seeing a piece of fabric transform into a beautiful garment.
- The creative process of designing and tailoring.
- What the World Needs (Purpose-Mission):
- Custom-made clothing and alterations.
- A skilled craftsperson who can bring personal clothing visions to life.
- Sustainable and personalized fashion options as an alternative to mass-produced clothing.
- What She Can Be Paid For (Profit-Vocation):
- Tailoring and designing clothes.
- Custom orders and specialized sewing projects.
- Teaching others the art of sewing.
- What She’s Good At (Profession):
- Seamstress skills honed over years of experience.
- Creating and tailoring clothing to fit perfectly.
- Bringing a client’s vision or design to fruition with her sewing expertise.
The stories of my parents beautifully exemplify the Ikigai concept. Both found an intersection of their passions, the needs of the world, their vocational prospects, and their inherent skills, leading to fulfilling lives both personally and professionally.
