I first read about it in one small but very deep book. Then I read more about it in another book. I will add the covers of the books in the post.
Basically, it means the purpose and fulfillment of your life.
Some people have found their ikigai, while others are still looking.
But the truth is that everyone carries it within them. Although, it might take time to discover yours.
Ikigai means your mission, passion, vocation, and profession in life. What you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
I remember when I first read about it, I understood that I had found my ikigai. At least, for this period of my life. It’s photography. Not all photography speaks to me. I admit it and it’s ok. I am searching my own ikigai in this form of art.
When I started this path 11 years ago I wanted to learn something new and had a feeling that it might be a good way for me to discover this world. To use the camera as a window into a new hidden world I didn’t notice before.
Ok, It took me much time and effort to learn from scratch. But my life changed completely, and I got a new sense of life.
Was it easy? Not at all. But somehow, I didn’t give up because I really wanted to learn. There was an inner voice inside telling me that there is my own way of photography. Even now I am constantly fall, make mistakes, but then put myself together and choose my own way.
Our ikigai is the reason we get up in the morning. The reason we don't give up and continue working, learning and just enjoying our life.
I love this Japanese proverb: “If you try, you may succeed. If you don’t try, you will not succeed. This is true of all things. Not succeeding is the result of not trying”.
Finding your ikigai is worth trying in this life.
The principle of ikigai can be connected to photography in several ways:
1. Finding Your Passion: Photography is definitely a means of discovering and pursuing my passion. I explored different genres, techniques, and subjects and it gives me an opportunity to understand which direction I should take. I want to concentrate more at true and authentic photography. The photography for me is about real and true moments.
2. Capturing Meaningful Moments: Photography gives me the power to freeze moments in time and convey emotions. I like to capture meaningful moments, whether it's the joy of a family, the beauty of nature, or the stories of everyday life. I can create images that resonate with both myself and others.
3. Sharing Stories: Photography is a tool for storytelling and sharing unique perspectives. I use my camera to document people's lives, cultures, and experiences. I can share these stories with others. We all need sometimes stories where we can connect and feel empathy.
4. Creating Artistic Expressions: Photography allows me to elf-express. It enables me to convey my vision and emotions through visual compositions. I am following my inner voice to show the world what is inside me.
Our IKIGAI is the reason we get up in the morning.
5. Connecting with People: Photography helps me to connect with individuals, whether it's collaborating with clients, working with models, or engaging with my own family and friends. I am an introvert but only photography gave a possibility to be more open with people and build connections with them. Capturing the essence of people's personalities and relationships brings me a sense of fulfillment and connection to my work.
6. Lifelong Learning: Photography is a field that offer me a constant learning and growth. The principle of ikigai means continuously seeking knowledge, refining my skills, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. This ongoing journey of self-improvement keeps me engaged and motivated as a photographer.
7. Making a Positive Impact: I believe that photography has the potential to make a positive impact on people and the world as a whole. Photographers can raise awareness about many social aspects of our life. I would like to raise awareness about the true connection within a family and a person.
We don't need to look perfect to feel happy. We are surrounded by too many triggers. Too much perfection. By showing real emotions, no make-up and everyday mundane moments I want people finally see how happy and lucky they can be by just connecting with each other and creating new experiences and happy moments every day.
