Finding purpose and meaning during the pandemic
The world we knew changed over the last four months and living through this pandemic has been quite a rollercoaster ride for most of us. Though we are all connected, the way we deal with situations during this crisis may vary based on the kind of impact we are facing now or we may in days to come.
Most of us are confused, scared, and frustrated with the present situation. It is understandable as many people losing jobs, facing pay cuts, or living in fear that a possible recession may be upon us. People grieving over the loss of loved ones. Though all these feelings and fears are valid, I have come to realize that some situations are not in our control and the best way to sort it out is to gain some perspective about exploring new career paths, learning a new skill, and practicing self-care.
Over these past few months, I started journaling and this helped to dig deep and self-reflect. BRAIN DUMP and journaling for stress, anxiety, and self-healing have been a great learning experience and It helped me figure out a new purpose in my life. I feel that during these dark times, the universe has given me an opportunity to tune into my creative zone and helping me find hope that life is still beautiful.
“The real joy in life comes from finding your true purpose and aligning it what you do every single day” — Tony Robbins.
This transition to re-define my purpose took time and what really changed my perspective is IKIGAI. This is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to “Reason for Being/ living”.
This worksheet may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days. These questions require a deeper sense of understanding about ourselves. I found it hard the first time but I could find my IKIGAI after practicing a few times.
The first four questions are the key:
- What am I good at?: Write down all your skills. Things that you know you are good at and certain skills that your friends or co-workers think you are good at.
- What do I love?: Hobbies or things that you love. Especially those that you immerse yourself and forget time.
- What does the world need?: This is such a relevant question to ask right now. A tiny gesture of love, kindness, and gratitude can create a positive impact. In Dalai Lama words,
“The planet does not need successful people, it desperately needs peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds”
4. What can I get paid for?: Getting paid for things that we love to do and what world needs could be a life-changing experience.
The next set of questions will take you a step closer to figuring out your purpose:
- Passion: what am I good at+what I love.
- Mission: What I love+what the world needs.
- Profession: What am I good at+what can I get paid for?.
- Vocation: What the world needs+what can I get paid for?
The common skill(s) that you find in each of them is your IKIGAI. My IKIGAI is writing. Writing takes me to a different world and I enjoy every minute of it. The world needs more storytellers and people who can spread love and positivity.
IKIGAI is merely a worksheet, it is much more than that:
- It’s a self-discovery journal. The more you dig deep with these questions, the more you learn about yourself.
- Happiness is not the end goal for purpose. Happiness is a choice.
- It emphasizes living life the way I want and not for others.
- Figuring out one’s life purpose helps build self-confidence.
- Living a life with purpose is different from living life with passion.
- Discovering my IKIGAI is helping me live a life that aligns with my purpose and creates space for self-improvement.
Dan Buettner, the author of BLUE ZONES, talks about IKIGAI and how it relates to longevity in Okinawa's — centenarians in Okinawa, Japan.
In IKIGAI: The Japanese secret to a long and healthy life, a book by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles — describes the top 10 rules to IKIGAI:
- Stay active; Don’t retire
- Take it slow.
- Don’t fill your stomach(80/20 way of eating, stopping before completely full).
- Surround yourself with good friends — like-minded people.
- Get in shape for your next Birthday.
- Smile.
- Reconnect with Nature.
- Give Thanks.
- Live in the Present moment.
- Follow your IKIGAI.
Everyone’s purpose and preference to live life varies and that’s what makes us unique and beautiful. Living a life filled with purpose and meaning helps us see things beyond fear.
During these tough times, I found my IKIGAI as not only something that I truly enjoy but also helped me find a side hustle and hoping you all discover your purpose in life with time.
Love+Light+Gratitude
Ramya