Ikigai: A Musing…

A dear friend took a meaningful trip to Japan this year and in the recounting of his adventure, he began to teach me about Igikai, the Japanese concept of life purpose.

Igikai is referred to as the key to longevity in the blue zones like Okinawa, an island on which all my maternal relatives live.

After this exciting conversation, I started researching Igikai and how to practice its concepts in my life. Much to my joyous surprise, the symbol for Igikai is the sea shell.

I have experienced moments of personal realization that have left me unequivocally changed. Very quickly, I begin to realize that the things I have come to understand are tales as old as time.

I truly believe I have never had an original thought. Just origin thoughts about specific moments, places, and people in time…….. and that thought provides so much comfort.

**look up Igikai painted shells, they are much more beautiful than mine.