Embracing Ikigai, Embracing Present as a Gift
by Jumh Tantri
Counsellor / Parenting Coach / Career Coach
Embracing Ikigai, Embracing Present as a Gift
In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai offers a simple compass: live fully in the present. Discover how embracing Ikigai can transform anxiety into clarity, and ordinary routines into sources of joy and meaning with Counsellor, Jumh Tantri.
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Ikigai means “reason for being” — a Japanese philosophy that finds joy and purpose in daily life, not just big achievements.
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Both focus on slowing down, noticing the present moment, and finding meaning in small acts.
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Not only career — Ikigai is about balance: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you.
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Yes. By rooting yourself in the present moment, Ikigai reduces overthinking and creates a sense of calm and direction.
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Start with small rituals: morning tea, journaling, acts of kindness, or connecting with loved ones. Intention turns routine into meaning.
Living in the past can weigh the heart with regret and sorrow. Living in the future stirs the mind with anxiety and uncertainty. Yet, the present—the very moment we breathe—is where peace, clarity, and meaning reside. In a world brimming with chaos, from the threat of wars to the trauma of natural disasters, embracing the present moment is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It is in this sacred now that we can root ourselves, breathe freely, and live fully. And among the many philosophies that guide us toward a meaningful life, the Japanese concept of IKIGAI stands out as a gentle yet profound compass pointing us back to the joy of simple living.
What Is IKIGAI?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) roughly translates to “reason for being”. It’s the intersection where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for meet (inspired by western concepts to create tasks but IKIGAI is way beyond that). But beyond this widely circulated Venn diagram lies a deeper, more personal truth: Ikigai is not a grand ambition or an end goal. It is found in the quiet beauty of daily life.
For many in Japan, particularly among the elders in Okinawa—a region with one of the highest life expectancies in the world—Ikigai is as simple as tending to a garden, waking up to prepare breakfast for loved ones, or sharing morning walks with neighbors. These simple, deliberate acts become sacred routines that root them in the present and give life enduring meaning.
Living in the Present: A Revolutionary Act
In today’s world, being present feels almost rebellious. Our minds are constantly pulled in every direction—pinged by notifications, overwhelmed by news of geopolitical instability, and gripped by personal concerns about career, health, or the future. Yet, the teachings of Ikigai remind us that true joy is not in racing toward an ideal future, but in recognizing the treasures hidden in ordinary moments.
It can be as simple as savoring a cup of tea, watching the sun filter through your window, or noticing the rhythm of your breath. The act of truly being—not doing, not striving—grounds us and restores a sense of harmony.
Doing What Brings Joy—Without Complication
Ikigai teaches us that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be fulfilling. Often, we tie happiness to achievements or external validation. But Ikigai gently nudges us toward a different truth: meaning can be cultivated through small acts done with intention and love.
Watering your plants, writing in your journal, preparing a humble meal, talking with your children, or helping a stranger—all these moments carry seeds of meaning. When we allow ourselves to engage fully in what we are doing—however small or ordinary—we begin to rediscover joy and purpose that has always been within reach.
This is not about withdrawing from the world or pretending that life isn’t hard. It is about shifting our focus. When we engage with life with curiosity and gratitude, we become more resilient and less consumed by the fear of what’s next.
Mindfulness and the Art of Presence
Mindfulness and Ikigai walk hand in hand. Both invite us to slow down, to observe without judgment, and to participate fully in the experience of now. Whether you’re working, resting, or enjoying time with a loved one, mindfulness helps you feel your life, rather than letting it pass you by.
Try this simple Ikigai-inspired practice: each morning, take five minutes to sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Ask yourself, What am I looking forward to today? What can I do, however small, that will bring joy to myself or someone else? Let that intention guide your day. Over time, these little practices accumulate, like drops in a well, building a life of substance and inner peace.
Holding on to Life Amid Chaos
Yes, the world feels like it’s unraveling at times. Disasters, wars, and societal breakdowns confront us daily on the news. The weight of these global events can easily breed hopelessness or cynicism. But Ikigai teaches us not to surrender to despair. In fact, the more uncertain the world becomes, the more important it is to live meaningfully—as if today could be your last.
This isn’t meant to be morbid. It is meant to be empowering. If life is fragile, let’s treat each moment with reverence. Let’s love without holding back, express gratitude often, and leave kindness in our wake. In doing so, we give ourselves and others the gift of being truly alive, even when the world outside feels like it’s crumbling.
Ikigai in Everyday Life
Here are some simple ways to embrace your Ikigai and stay rooted in the present:
1. Create a ritual of joy
Whether it’s morning coffee, evening journaling, or a weekly walk, set aside time for activities that bring lightness to your heart.
2. Connect with others
Share stories, meals, laughter, or silence with those around you. Ikigai often involves connection and community.
3. Simplify your life
Let go of clutter—mental, emotional, or physical. What truly matters is often very little, and very simple.
4. Be of service
Helping others is a powerful way to affirm meaning in our lives. Offer a listening ear, share your skills, or volunteer your time.
5. Honor your inner compass
What makes you feel alive? Follow that thread. It might lead you to your purpose, one gentle step at a time.
Living as Though the World is Ending—With Grace
When we think of the world ending, panic or numbness may arise. But what if we flipped that thought on its head? What if we lived each day as though it were our last—not with fear, but with tenderness and gratitude?
We might call our loved ones more. Forgive faster. Laugh louder. Rest more deeply. Appreciate the breeze, the music, the faces around us. This is the essence of Ikigai—living fully, even in uncertain times.
Final Reflections
Ikigai doesn’t ask us to become someone else. It simply invites us to be more of who we already are—attuned, present, and purposeful. In a world desperate for healing, slowing down to live with intention is not weakness; it is wisdom. It is a declaration that life, despite its messiness and unpredictability, is worth embracing.
So pause. Breathe. Look around you. What are you holding in this moment? A memory in the making? A reason to smile? A chance to make someone’s day brighter?
Whatever it is, let it be enough. Let it be your Ikigai.
Book a counseling session with me at The Counselling Place Singapore to ignite your Ikigai and live your life to the fullest, meaningful at your best capabilities and cherish your loved ones. To find peace in the chaos that we are in and to manage expectations, rationalize to gain simplicity and untangle catastrophizing situations. Stay hopeful, breathe, pause and therapy time!