While working on the theme for our website ‘Artistry of Living’ we came across the concept that we found to be quite relevant to our topic. The concept is called ‘Ikigai’. Ikigai is a lifestyle that aspires to balance the spiritual with the practical. Most of us believe that money leads to fulfillment; if we have money, we could have more impact on the world. But money does not bring contentment to our lives. Ikigai is the Japanese secret to a long and happy and more fulfilling life.

Ikigai is seen as the merging of four primary elements:

1. What you love (your passion)

2. What the world needs (your mission)

3. What you are good at (your vocation)

4. What you can get paid for (your profession)

The problem with most of us is that we stop being curious about new experiences as we assume responsibilities and build routines. But we can change that, especially if we are still looking for meaning and fulfilment in what we do daily.

In short, an Ikigai is essentially a reason to get up in the morning. A reason to enjoy life. If you have a reason to get out of bed, your health and wellbeing will radically improve. The reason not being making healthy choices, or the diets followed by you but because now you live with a sense of purpose. Do you happen to lose the track of time during work, your favourite activity or a conversation with someone close? If the answer is yes, then you have found your Ikigai. Its core is finding enjoyment and purpose in what we are doing in a given moment, without expecting a spectacular result, success or applause of those around us.