Ikigai Moments: Finding Meaning in Everyday Life

Living your ikigai should not be viewed as a single, life-defining goal or ultimate purpose, but as a natural rhythm that flows through everyday moments - those simple experiences or sources that bring joy, meaning and a sense that life is worth living. It is found in the people you love, the activities that inspire you, your passions, dreams, hobbies, and even the memories you hold dear.

The true power of living with ikigai lies in the positive emotions and feelings that arise when you can identify these sources and connect with them intentionally. There is great joy to be found in the ordinary - if only we take the time to notice them. To appreciate life’s small pleasures, we must slow down, be present, and allow ourselves to truly experience the moment.

When we understand that ikigai lives in the small things - which are often easier to accomplish - we free ourselves from the illusion that meaning only comes from grand achievements. This makes ikigai more achievable, reminding us that even seemingly mundane or routine moments can be deeply meaningful and a reason for living.

Discovering Your Sources of Ikigai

Take a moment to identify your sources of ikigai, the small joys that make you look forward to the day ahead. These could be anything, from your morning cup of coffee or tea, your exercise routine, reading or researching topics that fascinate you.

It could be as simple as greeting a loved one, sending a message to a friend, or calling your parents - anything that fills your heart, even for a moment.

Turning Ikigai Sources into Ikigai Moments

Once you’ve identified your sources of ikigai, start to turn them into more intentional moments or ikigai moments. Immerse yourself in them and be fully present.

If you have for instance identified your morning coffee as one of these sources (as I do), then transform it into a true intentional ikigai moment or ritual. Instead of rushing through it, take the time to enjoy the process. Try brewing coffee with a Moka pot, espresso maker, or pour-over instead of instant coffee or just a plunger. Buy good beans and a grinder, inhale their aroma, and experiment with different blends and flavors. Froth your milk, make yourself a cappuccino or latte, and then truly be with your coffee. Sit in your favorite spot, smell it, savor it - without distractions.

It’s easy to make a cup of coffee and immediately reach for your phone or open your laptop. But if this moment truly brings you joy, don’t waste it - turn it into a true ikigai experience.

In Japanese Zen, there’s a principle that encourages using something beautiful or meaningful first thing in the morning, as it sets the tone for how you’ll see the world for the rest of the day. So if your first cup of coffee or tea, or even your bowl of fruit and yogurt is a source of ikigai for you, then have this out of the most beautiful cup or bowl that you have, or something with character, good memories and/or sentiment. Never use just the first cup you find, or something that's purely practical or useful; choose what has character and soul, and something that evokes a sense of beauty.

If one of your sources of ikigai is seeing your partner or loved one in the morning, make that moment an ikigai moment too. Instead of a quick “good morning,” take a moment to connect - a kiss, a hug, a compliment, or a heartfelt, “I love you.” These small gestures not only bring you joy and connection but can also evoke ikigai-kan in the other - that feeling of having ikigai, a deep sense of joy, a feeling that life has meaning and purpose, that you make a difference in someone else's life. Share the ikigai!

Creating a Life Worth Living

Make a list of your sources of ikigai and explore how you can turn them into intentional and mindful moments - your own ikigai moments.

Ikigai should not be a constant search for the ultimate goal or purpose, but simply awareness, presence, gratitude, and love for the small, meaningful moments that make each day worth living.