Ikigai, the ancient Japanese philosophy, embodies the four dimensions of purpose that guide individuals in exploring how they spend their time in life. The diagram above explains it well. 

While all of the categories above speak to inner cultivation in some form, none of them address it explicitly. It occurred to me that this incredible work could be expanded to include direct prompts that would serve inner cultivation. Here are four additional concepts that speak directly to Inner Ikigai.

1. Living with Noble Friends in Community.


Ikigai emphasizes doing what we love, and an part of this is the community we choose. Noble friends who inspire us enrich our pursuit of passions. Reflect on how your relationships enhance what you love doing and how nurturing a community aligned with your passions can deepen fulfillment. For instance, joining a community arts program if you love painting, or volunteering to plant native trees in a nature reserve, can bring added joy and meaning to these activities.


2. Cultivating Contentment and Living Simply:


This concept ties in with the Ikigai dimension of what the world needs. In a world increasingly burdened by consumerism and environmental implications, embracing simplicity and contentment is not only a personal journey but also a response to a real global need. Reflect on how living minimally and finding contentment in less can contribute to a larger societal need for sustainability.

3. Deepening Attentional Concentration in Work:


Ikigai suggests we should pursue what we are good at, and honing attentional concentration can significantly enhance our skills and deepen our focus. By cultivating mindfulness in our professional tasks, we can excel further in our skills, aligning with the Ikigai principle of proficiency. This depth of concentration can then be carried over to formal contemplative practice, which changes our perception and way we show up in the world.

4. Work as a Path to Spiritual Flourishing:


Linking to the Ikigai element of what we can be paid for, this concept explores how our work can transcend financial gain and become a path to spiritual growth. Reflect on how your profession can align with your deeper values and contribute to your spiritual journey. This could mean seeking roles in organizations that align with your ethical beliefs or finding ways to infuse your current role with a sense of purpose and service, thus connecting your professional life to deeper meaning. 

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Instead of creating a complex diagram to represent this inner work, I encourage you to approach these contemplations with an open heart and mind. Allow the questions to gently reside within you and guide your journey of self-exploration. The pursuit of answers is not the primary objective; rather, it is in living and reflecting on these questions that true growth and understanding can emerge. Embrace this inward journey, as it leads to a deeper connection with yourself and a more purposeful and enriched life.