Ramendra Kumar
Ikigai is a Japanese Secret to discover the happiest version of Life. Even two individuals from Odisha too followed their Ikigai and redefined awesomeness.
There is a Japanese concept which is becoming increasingly popular. It is called Ikigai. It basically means – a sense of purpose or a reason for being. According to Hector Garcia and Fransesc Miralles, the authors of the international bestseller ‘Ikigai – the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ Ikigai is ‘the reason to jump out of bed each morning.’ How cool is that?
For a parent, it is important to help his child find her Ikigai. You must be wondering how I can make my ten year old find a sense of purpose. Well, let me break down this seemingly abstract concept further. While it may be difficult for you to help your child discover her reason for being you can surely reach out and help your princess connect with her passion.
As Garcia and Marelles say, “Your Ikigai is at the intersection of what you are good at and what you love doing.”
In today’s society many parents view their child as someone whose achievements they can wear like a badge on their chest, someone whose brilliance can enhance their status in the society.
Today, competition is the keyword and the so-called rat race starts in the nursery itself. The other day my junior colleague was mentioning that our education system has become so warped that there are coaching classes for admission into nursery and entrance exams to get into these coaching centres.
Another phenomenon which is common is parents trying to meet their unfulfilled aspirations through their children. If I could not become an IAS officer I would like my son to do so, even though he would rather be a musician or a scientist. My friend’s daughter wants to pursue a career in fashion photography but her mom wants her to become the heart specialist she could not.
As Om Swami writers in his book The Children of Tomorrow – “I believe there is little sense in taking away a child’s personal freedom by pushing them to do something they don’t want to. Such a tug of war between parents and children turns toxic very quickly.
In the 80s and 90s there were not many career options. Most people opted for becoming doctors, engineers or Chartered Accountants. Now the situation is different. Opportunities are exploding and if one has the passion for anything from blogging to rapping and designing apps to apparels, one can achieve excellence.
Let me share examples of two individuals from Odisha who followed their Ikigai and redefined awesomeness. Sudarsan Pattnaik started his life as a domestic help. He loved playing with the sand and carving out images. Dogged pursuit of his obsession metamorphosed him into India’s greatest sand master.
Bibhu Mohapatra’s fascination with sewing began when he watched his mother creating shapes on the sewing machine. He went to USA to pursue economics but shifted to fashion design. Following his heart, with courage and conviction he went on to become one of the most iconic fashion designers of the present generation.
In conclusion I would request every parent to simply see himself as a mentor who will help the child discover her Ikigai and become the happiest version of herself.
(Ramendra Kumar is a Writer, Story Teller and Motivational Speaker. Views are Personal)
Tags: #EffectingParenting #Parenting #MotivationalSpeaker #StoryTeller #ChildsIkigai #IkigaisStory #SudarsanPattnaik #BibhuMohapatra #ChildDevelopment #Parenting #SkillDevelopment #preschool #MentalHealth #KidsMentalHealth
