BL series: Book Lovers — Ikigai
Book Lovers.
Back to BL series but this time aimed at book lovers. Just a little summary or impression of the book from my poin of view.
Five pillars of ikigai
- Starting small
- Releasing yourself
- Harmony and sustainability
- The joy of little things
- Being in the here and now
These are how we start to find purpose in life.
What is ikigai?
生きがい (i ki ga i) is a reason to live. iki = to live. gai = reason. It came from Japanese language.
In the first chapter of the book written, “Ono once mentioned that he wishes to die while making sushi” — that’s a proof how much he fall in love with his work. Please introduce he’s Jiro Ono who heads up a sushi restaurant named Sukiyabashi. For him, ikigai is might simply serving the best tuna to a smiling customer or excited to head to the fish market (Tsukiji fish market).
Your reason to get up in the morning
Some people get up without an alarm, some people back to sleep after turn off their alarm. We need special reason to get up in the morning. When I was working in Jakarta, my reason to get up in the morning is “I don’t want to get stuck in train traffic between Sudirman station and Manggarai station”. Other small things can help us to get up in early morning.
Kodawari and the benefits of thinking small
“Kodawari is a personal standard, to which the individual adheres in a steadfast manner”. Like a snowball effect. When we’re doing a small thing, it will grows someday. No need to be in a hurry. Even the biggest company start with the small idea.
The sensory beauty of ikigai
Pretty bowls can make a fuss to some of us. Antiques. Not just as a liquid container but also the history.
Flow and creativity
“You are not the master, work is the master, and in flow you can identify yourself with your work in joyous, symbiotic way”. For example, some people did not make a product to claim their rights as the creators, they just did their job and hope people will find their creation as something useful. I personally sometimes think about the reward or even the punishment for myself which one mentioned in this book that is the wrong approach. When we create a good things it is not a guarantee that it will be appreciated by others. Do something good when none cares. Like make an Medium article when nobody reads it.
Ikigai and sustainability
“A man is like a forest, individual yet connected and dependent on others for growth”. Sometimes we fall. Sometimes we grow. It’s a part of sustainability. We need to pass on the baton to the next generation. We need to pass on something like the changes we are working on right now. When a thing’s exist, it doesn’t means it will last forever. Someday it will be destroyed if it is not conveyed properly.
Finding your purpose in life
We need to go beyond the ‘label’ and listen to what ourselves say. My mother once forbade me from choosing college majors. She said a lot of negative things about my choice at that time. “I’ll find my way” is what I always say to myself all this time. This is my only confidence and purpose in life.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
“Attitudes are reflected in people’s actions. A person who believes that there is god inside an item will approach life differently from one who doesn’t”. One of the most terrifying history of my life, when I was alone in my room and there is no one I can trust to tell my problems in 2019. I just believed in Him. I was at the lowest point in my entire life and no hope (I mean NO HOPE really). But then He give me a chance and I feel calmer after going through it. Stronger? Well it’s not an option. It is the most valuable gift if you too have experienced it.
Ikigai and happiness
“datsusara is a phenomenon in which a salaried worker, usually employed in office work, decides to leave the safe but unexciting life as company employee to pursue their passions”. We need hobby, aren’t we? Or something else besides our daily routine. Anything that can make us feel happy .
Accept yourself for who you are
“Celebrate who you are!”. We often get afraid of how other people judge us. A man with a cute hobby. A girl with an unfeminine side. We have a unique character. All of us. And who are we really? A human with the mask of lies? Or someone who always care of each other?
Find your own ikigai
Ikigai is not a single value. It’s not something you can get by following others or copy the theory.
Wanna be happier? Answer these questions. — MperMperPisang
- “What are your most sentimental values?“
- “What are the small things that give you pleasure?”
Reference
- The Little Book of Ikigai — The Essential Japanese Way To Finding Your Purpose In Life by Ken Mogi
