IKIGAI
Hey there beautiful Heart Led. I love a good word. I love language and it's complexities. Sometimes you come across powerfully meaningful words that completely resonate... this for me is one of them. let me introduce you to the beautiful concept of ikigai—a Japanese term that holds profound wisdom when it comes to leading a heart-led life. Ikigai encompasses the intertwining elements of passion, mission, vocation, and profession, leading to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Picture it as the sweet spot where your deepest desires align with the needs of the world around you....ohhh juicy, right?
In the realm of heart-led living, ikigai is like a guiding star that helps you discover your unique purpose and brings clarity to your journey. Let's explore the components that make up this wondrous concept:
- Passion: Passion is the fire that burns within your soul. It is the deep-rooted love for something that makes your heart flutter and your spirit soar. When you align your life with your passions, you experience a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Discovering and nurturing your passions is an essential step in leading a heart-led life.
- Mission: Your mission is the meaningful contribution you wish to make in the world. It's the impact you aspire to create, the difference you long to make. It taps into your values, your innate strengths, and the causes that ignite your compassion. Your mission is the driving force behind your actions, as it propels you to leave a positive mark on the lives of others.
- Vocation: Vocation refers to the activities that you are naturally skilled at and enjoy doing. It encompasses your talents, your gifts, and the areas where you excel effortlessly. When you align your vocation with your passions and mission, you find yourself in a state of flow, where time seems to stand still and your work becomes a joyful expression of your true self.
- Profession: Your profession represents the practical aspect of your heart-led life, dear one. It is the means through which you sustain yourself while pursuing your passions and mission. Your profession allows you to share your unique gifts with the world, while also providing the resources and support you need to manifest your heart-led vision.
When these elements of passion, mission, vocation, and profession come together, they form the foundation of your ikigai—the sweet spot where your heart-led life thrives. It is the place where your purpose aligns with your skills, your joy aligns with your impact, and your authenticity shines brightly.
Discovering your ikigai requires deep introspection. It calls for reflection, exploration, and a willingness to listen to the whispers of your heart. Take the time to understand your passions, explore your strengths, and connect with the needs of the world around you. Seek moments of stillness, journaling, and self-inquiry to uncover the essence of your ikigai.
Remember, that your ikigai may evolve and transform throughout your life's journey. Embrace the exploration and trust that your heart will guide you towards aligning your passions, mission, vocation, and profession. When you find your ikigai, you'll discover a profound sense of purpose, a deep wellspring of joy, and a heart-led life that truly resonates with your soul.
Well, I'm so happy to say, this discovery of my ikigai has happened this year. Well really it's been years of what has felt like soul searching, but I feel it has arrived and I so happy to now support others in finding their ikigai too
Holistic mentoring for Heart Leds and a super special passion project I'm creating with my beautiful soul sister will be here soon to support you in this space.
I cannot wait to share it with you.
With Passion & Purpose
Mel.O xox
Personal Brand Photographer | Design | Mentoring | Retreat Facilitator
Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia
