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Ikigai T-shirt
£19.35 GBP
Product features
- Shoulder tape ensures stability and prevents stretching.
- Seamless design reduces fabric waste and enhances aesthetics.
- Ribbed knit collar retains its shape for a polished look.
- Crafted from soft, strong cotton fabric, ideal for printing.
- Ethically sourced 100% US cotton guarantees quality and sustainability.
Care instructions
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Do not iron
- Do not dryclean
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Tumble dry: low heat
Product information: Gildan 5000, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Warnings, Hazard: For adults, Made in Nicaragua
Care instructions: Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), Non-chlorine: bleach as needed, Tumble dry: low heat, Do not iron, Do not dryclean
Reviews
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Meaningful Life
Have you ever wondered what gets you out of bed in the morning? Beyond the daily grind, bills to pay, and responsibilities to juggle, there’s often a deeper reason why we choose to keep moving forward. In Japan, this concept is beautifully captured by a single word: ikigai (生き甲斐), which roughly translates to “reason for being.”
Ikigai isn’t just about happiness or success. It’s about aligning your life with purpose, finding the sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession overlap. Imagine a Venn diagram with four circles:
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
Where these circles intersect lies your ikigai.
The Philosophy Behind Ikigai
Unlike fleeting joy or short-term goals, ikigai is more enduring. It’s not about chasing instant gratification, but cultivating meaning over time. In Japanese culture, ikigai is considered a source of longevity and fulfilment, something that gives structure to everyday life.
Interestingly, ikigai doesn’t have to be grand. It could be your career, but it could just as easily be tending to a garden, creating art, raising a family, or helping your community. The essence is that it gives your life richness and direction.
Why Ikigai Matters Today
In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, burnout and disconnection are common. We often chase external validation, promotions, likes, and recognition without asking whether these pursuits truly nourish us.
Ikigai shifts the focus inward. It invites us to reflect:
- Am I doing something I love?
- Does this align with my strengths?
- Does it serve others?
- Can I sustain myself through it?
When these answers converge, life feels more balanced. Work doesn’t feel like a burden, and even challenges become part of a meaningful journey.
How to Discover Your Ikigai
Finding your ikigai isn’t a one-time event; it’s a process of exploration. Here are some steps to start:
- Self-reflection: Write down what excites you, what skills you naturally excel at, and what values matter most.
- Experiment: Try new things. Ikigai often reveals itself through experiences, not just thought.
- Listen to feedback: Notice when others appreciate your contributions. Sometimes, we underestimate our own gifts.
- Simplify: Ikigai doesn’t always mean quitting your job to follow a dream. It can be cultivated in small daily practices that bring joy and purpose.
- Be patient: Your ikigai can evolve over time, shifting with life stages and experiences.
Living with Ikigai
At its core, ikigai is less about finding and more about living. It’s waking up with intention, embracing the present, and pursuing growth in alignment with who you are. Whether big or small, your ikigai is your compass, a reminder that life is not just about existing, but about thriving with meaning.
✨ Final Thought: You don’t need to have your ikigai figured out perfectly today. Begin by asking simple questions: What lights me up? Where do I feel useful? Over time, the answers will guide you toward a life that feels both purposeful and fulfilling.