December 4, 2022

Oh dear… you were late for work, again. Or maybe you spotted a typo in your presentation? Did you not make it to the grocery store in time? Or you trained hard for that marathon but didn’t make the cut-off time? Did you do poorly on your exam? If you answered yes to any of […]

Ikigai is as much a way of life as an idea. While the Japanese approach to finding and living in a meaningful way is ultimately a simple one, its effects are far-reaching. This article reviews five of the best books written about ikigai. It explores how the Japanese define and share the concept and why it

‘Ikigai’ (ee-key-guy) is a small word with a profound meaning. Translated from Japanese, ‘ikigai’ means reason to live. It is primarily associated with the town of Okinawa, which boasts the longest living people on earth. We will look more closely at this fascinating concept, with particular emphasis on inspiring ikigai quotes related to acceptance and living

The Japanese art of kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with gold leaf to produce something more valuable and beautiful than the original. Imperfections form part of the character and the beauty of the new piece of art (Ayuda, 2018). How we live, personally and professionally, can also become fractured. Another Japanese practice, ikigai, can help us

What was your reason for getting up this morning? Often, we pass through life unclear of the meaning, motivation, or values behind what we do and how we live. And yet, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Japanese practice of ikigai helps you find your reason for living, shaping how you live now

Do you remember that moment when you finally gained clarity around your key values? I do. I remember feeling like everything finally made sense: why I had made certain choices in the past, why certain situations bored me, why I was drawn to some people and repelled by others. Best of all was that it

While not easily defined, existential therapy builds on ideas taken from philosophy, helping clients to understand and clarify the life they would like to lead (Iacovou & Weixel-Dixon, 2015). Although there is no single existential therapy, each approach shares the same basic principle that while life is fraught with dilemmas, we choose our values and

If last night’s dream helped you solve a problem, it could indicate that you are high in the personality disposition of openness (Larsen, Buss, Wismeijer, & Song, 2017). It doesn’t stop there. Being more open is linked to a willingness to explore new experiences, including foods, hobbies, and other cultures. And when we behave in

Through adversity, we acquire skills, abilities, and attributes that enable us to not just survive, but ultimately, thrive. French psychiatrist Pierre Janet said: “Every life is a piece of art, put together with all means available.” Van Der Kolk, 2014, p. 112 When I think of Janet’s statement, I envision a colorful and intricate life

Trauma is part of life and will be faced by all of us at some point. While it will lead to prolonged distress for some, others will return from the ordeal stronger in mind and spirit, having met the challenge and returned to purposeful lives (Southwick & Charney, 2018). While it is neither realistic nor