Your Path to Ikigai🇬🇧
Lent Season: Your Path to Ikigai – A Guide to Mindfulness, Health, and Self-Reflection
Imagine the Lent season as a blank journal. Every day, you have the opportunity to fill a new page—not with big, dramatic changes, but with small, conscious decisions. Lent is more than just abstinence; it is an invitation to pause and give your life a more mindful direction. Ikigai, the Japanese concept of "the reason for being," is born from the harmony of passion, vocation, mission, and profession. During this special time, you can discover what truly energizes you and enriches your life.
1. Mindful Eating: Joy and Gratitude in Everyday Life
Mindful eating is a practice that helps you get the most out of your meals. Every meal can be a moment of gratitude. Consider where your food comes from, and savor every bite with mindfulness. By focusing on taste, texture, and aromas, you nourish not only your body but also your soul. The Okinawa rule "Hara Hachi Bu", which suggests eating until you’re 80% full, helps you avoid the feeling of overeating and make more conscious, healthier choices.
2. Giving Up Excess: Creating Space for What Matters
One simple rule: Simplification is freeing. Set clear boundaries, such as three meals a day without snacks, to avoid excess. This creates space for what truly matters—both in life and in your nutrition. When cravings hit, opt for healthy alternatives like fresh fruit, nuts, or a plate of fresh vegetables, which will nourish your body and mind in a pleasant way.
3. Quit Smoking: Your Body as a Valuable Gift
Think of quitting smoking as a long-term process, not a goal. Small steps, like having one smoke-free day a week, are a good start. Every small progress is a step toward a healthier life. Fill the gap left by smoking with healthy activities like taking walks in the fresh air or practicing meditation, which can help align your body and mind.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Living in Balance
Meditation is a powerful tool to calm your mind and help you set clear priorities. Every day, take a moment for self-reflection and ask yourself, “What gives my life meaning?” Journaling can also help you organize your thoughts and discover your Ikigai while you embark on your personal journey toward self-realization.
5. Seeking Support: Community as a Source of Strength
Ikigai often arises within community. Share your goals and dreams with those close to you and let their support inspire you. Online communities also offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are facing similar challenges or pursuing similar goals. Sharing experiences in forums or support groups can offer fresh perspectives and motivate you to stay on track.
6. Soul Breaks: The Art of "Doing Nothing"
In the midst of life’s hustle, it’s important to consciously take breaks. Whether it’s a hot bath, a walk in nature, or reading a good book—regular moments of doing nothing can help you find clarity and inner peace. These moments of stillness help recharge your energy and bring balance to your life.
Your Ikigai, Your Path
The Lent season is a valuable opportunity to bring more meaning and balance to your life. Through small, conscious decisions, you can find your inner balance and discover your Ikigai—the reason you wake up in the morning. With mindfulness, meditation, healthy eating, and the support of community, you can shape your life with more joy and fulfillment. Let curiosity and gratitude guide you as you discover what truly makes life worth living.
The Lent season 2025 starts on March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and ends on April 19 (Holy Saturday).
