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What is “ikigai” ( the Japanese philosophical concept of reason of being ) and 'happiness'

Updated: Jun 8, 2021





  • Let’s talk about self-awareness. Self-awareness is a belief and cognitive understanding of how we see ourselves. It could get as extended as in relation to how you see yourself in the world. By having clear self awareness, it can give you also the best and clear guess on why you exist in this world ( by understanding how you can be useful to the world)

  • Our happiness is made out of our “so-called reality” and our interpretation of reality. When there is a gap between your reality and your interpretation of reality, you are unhappy. For example, if you think that in order for you to be attractive, you have to be slim and you are not slim, then you are likely unhappy.

  • In more detail, when it comes to life, people are most happy when they can meet their happiness blueprint ( I call it an identity circle) that typically consists of three factors that can create one interconnected circle that bring together parts of “yourself”

  • This circle brings in what you believe, who you are, and what you do.

  • We need to align what you do with your identity, that is who you are and what you believe in, to create the ultimate feeling of satisfaction.

  • Borrowing the Japanese concept of reason of being “Ikigai” that describes life purpose, “Who you are” should address ‘what you love’ and ‘what you are good atWhat you believe” consists of ‘what you love’ and ‘what the world needs.

  • People are happiest when “Who you are ( what you love / what you are good at) and What you believe ( what you love / what the world needs) match with what you do.

  • What did Aristotle mean by “The meaning of “happiness is the virtue activity of the soul...”?

  • In life, you will go through countless challenges that test your virtues. Each test however sculpts, defines, and pushes you in the right direction aligning your growth with your virtues. Your virtues are tested, only by overcoming your obstacles and challenges you are able to become who you truly are meant to be.

  • Then by asking these tough questions to find out about ourselves in very deep ways, we are picking and choosing what challenges we like to take on to fulfill our ultimate happiness which is 'the virtue activity of the soul.'

  • It is not about how quick or how much we get something or somewhere, it is about choosing the virtue activity (the right battle) you want to take on that has the best possibility in reflecting your soul’s desire AT YOUR PACE & satisfying your circle of identity, so ultimately making your 'who you are' = 'what you believe = 'what you do'



So there you have it ! :) Don't forget to check out my Youtube Channel!



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