Join me as we journey from Indiana to Okinawa, exploring the ancient philosophy of #Ikigai. We unwrap the four pillars of Ikigai, contrast Western interpretation to its authentic Japanese understanding, and journey into personal quests to find 'Ikigai'. We dig into the secret of a youthful mind, breaking routines, and mindful living. A special feature: how a hidden valley coffee place in Kyoto, Nijo-Kova, and its devoted barista inspired my pursuit of Ikigai. Listen for tales from centenarians and a dive into #Wabisabi, embracing imperfections.
After all, life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.
Topics and Touching Points:
Introduction
Dive with me into the past week’s greenlights and feedback, focusing on listener responses, my personal stories, and the transformative pain experienced during growth/healing.
The Origin of Desire
Discover Max Ehrmann, an American writer whose 'Desiderata', first shared in a 1933 Christmas message, resonates profoundly with the theme of 'Ikigai'.
Unveiling Ikigai
Explore Ikigai, a core element of Japanese philosophy that isn't just about living longer but living with a purpose. Learn about its roots in Okinawa, the world's 'Blue Zone', where residents frequently live beyond 100 years.
The Western Interpretation of Ikigai
Discussing the four pillars of Ikigai as commonly presented in the West: What you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. Compare this rational approach to the more emotional, intrinsic understanding of Ikigai in Japan.
Reflections on Personal Ikigai
I delve into my own journey, from software engineering to founding a startup, and how I found my Ikigai. I share my personal experiences in Japan, and how a coffee place in Kyoto symbolizes the Zen and flow state that I strive for.
Maintaining a Youthful Mind
Unpack the insights of Israeli neuroscientist Shlomo Breznitz and learn about the importance of breaking routines, learning new things, and living in awareness.
Ikigai and Emotional Resilience
Discuss the intersection of Ikigai with other philosophies like Stoicism, Zen, and Yoga. Explore the concept of emotional resilience and how it helps us focus on what we can control.
Flow and Ikigai
Explore how Ikigai can usher you into a state of flow. I share how the lumii tool helped me identify flow moments in my life and provided a compass to navigate through a world of uncertainty.
Voices of the Centenarians
Hear direct quotes from the people in Okinawa who live past 100, sharing their secrets to a long and fulfilling life, from cultivating good habits and nurturing friendships to living an unhurried life.
Embracing Wabi-sabi
Understand Wabi-sabi, the Japanese acceptance and appreciation of imperfections, and its connection to Ikigai.
Outro
Finally, it doesn’t need to be a big thing. Sometimes, it's about being good parents or helping our neighbors. Remember, life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
Resources mentioned:
📖 Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
📖 Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
📖 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
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