Ikigai
September is Suicide Prevention Month. The link between a lack of purpose and an increased risk of suicide is a sobering reality. When individuals feel worthless and without a sense of direction or meaning in their lives, they become vulnerable to intense feelings of despair and hopelessness. This is where the concept of "ikigai" can offer a beacon of hope.
Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that means "my life purpose." It is the intersection of an individuals passions, skills, contributions to society, and personal satisfaction. When people discover their ikigai, they uncover a profound reason to wake up each day with purpose and determination. Ikigai helps us to see our own worth and the positive impact we can have on the world.
At the Momentum Center, our members tell us that we have helped them find hope, meaning, and purpose. As a result, they are experiencing reduced feelings of depression. By emphasizing the significance of ikigai and helping individuals find their unique purpose, we not only assist in preventing suicide but also pave the way for a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. As you watch Emily Bidle's TEDx Talk on Ikigai: The Secret to a Purposeful Life, I invite you to consider your own Ikigai.
Namaste,
Barbara Lee VanHorssen, Experi-Mentor
