Short Devotional about Ikigai – Japanese secret to long happy life
Introduction
The hectic nature of modern life can often be overwhelming and distracting. However, being able to find a balance and discern your calling in life – your Ikigai – can lead to a life of satisfaction and fulfillment. Derived from Japanese culture, the concept of Ikigai encapsulates the idea of finding bliss in your daily routine, finding a reason for being, which elevates you to the confluence of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Ikigai is the secret to a long, joyful existence.
As we embark on this journey to explore the idea of Ikigai, let’s learn to live in harmony with our unique purpose and strive for a well-rounded life grounded in Christian faith.
Bible Verse
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Meaning
With Ephesians 2:10 as our guiding verse, we can understand that we are all created with a divine purpose – a unique life mission orchestrated by God. Our calling in life isn’t accidental, rather it is part of a grander plan God has for us, our Ikigai. We are designed to contribute, to do good, to love, and to serve others, reflecting the nature of God himself. This divine design resonates deeply with the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai.
Ikigai is about discovering this divine purpose, and aligning it with our abilities, passions and opportunities. It shows us that even our smallest actions or routines can open doors to immense happiness and satisfaction when they are done with purpose and meaning.
Actions to Take
- Identify your passions and talents; acknowledge what truly gives you joy.
- Look for opportunities to serve others using your unique abilities.
- Pray for guidance and discernment to understand God’s plan for you.
- Reflect on and appreciate the little joys in your everyday routines.
- Seek balance between your spiritual wellness, emotional well-being, and physical health.
Journal Prompts
- What does the concept of Ikigai mean to you in your Christian journey?
- In what areas of your life do you experience deep joy and purpose?
- Write about one routine act you can change to bring more fulfillment to your day.
- What talents and passions do you have that can be used to serve others?
- How can you better align your actions with your divine purpose?
Prayer
Lord, guide me as I seek my Ikigai, my purpose for existence. Help me to find the intersection of passion and purpose, vocation and profession in my life. Open my eyes to see the opportunities you have placed before me. Help me to serve others with love, bringing joy to my life and glorifying You in all I do. Amen.
Social Posts
- “Discover your Ikigai, align your passion with God’s purpose.”
- “In every small act of kindness, you reflect God’s love. Find your Ikigai.”
- “Pray, find joy in your daily routines, and uncover the divine purpose God has for you.”
- “Each of us is created to do good works. Find your Ikigai and bring joy to your everyday life.”
- “In Ephesians 2:10, find the essence of Ikigai – living intentionally to glorify God.”
Conclusion
Incorporating the spiritual aspect of Ikigai in our lives encourages us to live with purpose and intentionality. It integrates our divine calling with our natural inclinations, talents, and passions, leading us to a joyful and fulfilling life. As children of God, our ultimate mission should always be to glorify Him in all we do and find innate satisfaction in serving others.
Thankfully, our faith and God’s Word supply us with the perfect guide for a meaningful life. So, continue on this incredible journey of faith and self-discovery with us at BGodInspired.com and may you uncover your unique Ikigai.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Q&A about Ikigai – Japanese secret to long happy life
Q: What is Ikigai?
A: Ikigai is a Japanese concept combining the terms ‘iki’, meaning ‘life’, and ‘gai’, meaning ‘value or worth’. Ikigai is essentially one’s reason for being, or the thing that gives one a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.
Q: Is Ikigai related to longevity?
A: Yes, it is. In Japan, particularly in Okinawa which has some of the world’s longest-living people, it is believed that finding your Ikigai contributes significantly to longevity and a higher quality of life.
Q: What are the four primary elements of Ikigai?
A: The four primary elements of Ikigai are: What you love (your passion), What the world needs (your mission), What you are good at (your vocation), and What you can be paid for (your profession).
Q: How does Ikigai contribute to happiness?
A: Ikigai is thought to contribute to happiness by giving individuals a clear purpose in life, a feeling of fulfillment, and a sense of contributing something of value to the world.
Q: How can one discover their Ikigai?
A: One can discover their Ikigai by introspecting to identify what they love doing, what their skills are, what they feel the world needs, and what they can be paid for. The intersection of these aspects could potentially be one’s Ikigai.
Q: Is Ikigai connected to mindfulness?
A: Yes, it is. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals identify their Ikigai by promoting deeper self-awareness and understanding, thereby helping to clarify what truly brings fulfillment and satisfaction.
Q: Has the concept of Ikigai gained international attention?
A: Yes, the concept of Ikigai has gained international attention. It has been the subject of numerous books and articles, focused on improving quality of life and increasing happiness and fulfilment, notably Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles’s international bestseller, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”.
