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Ikigai 101: Discover an Ancient Practice in Finding Your Life's "Why"

Published on: 26th January, 2025

In this episode, recorded in the summer of 2021, I share my journey of rediscovering my passion - or better stated, MISSION - for trumpet playing after a conversation with my wife.

This led me to explore the Japanese concept of IKIGAIi, an ancient Japanese concept which loosely translated into English is "the reason for being."

One thing led to another, and soon enough I found through some internet searches Hector Garcia, the author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

Hector and I do a deep dive into the idea of Ikigai, discussing its profound impact on life and how it aligns with one's purpose and passions.

Hector shares insights from his own experiences in Okinawa, known for its population of the longest-living people, and discusses the importance of flow in achieving a fulfilling life.

The episode combines personal anecdotes with deep philosophical discussions on living a purposeful and happy life.

Episode highlights:

01:25 Discovering Ikigai

03:13 Meeting Hector Garcia

04:54 Understanding Ikigai

08:08 The Journey of Writing

11:34 Personal Reflections on Ikigai

22:33 Finding Purpose Beyond Yourself

23:53 Balancing Passion and Practicality

24:52 The Struggle of Artists and Day Jobs

29:30 The Concept of Flow

36:14 Living in Japan and Cultural Insights

40:44 Community and Lifestyle in Okinawa

44:48 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources mentioned:

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

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About the Podcast

Ba Vojdaan با وجدان
Conscious Living...In a Zonked-Out World.
با وجدان (transliterated to Ba Vojdaan) is a Persian word which translates to English as "Conscientious".

I don't know about you, but I'm alarmed by the lack of conviction and integrity in our culture. People are on "autopilot" morally and spiritually. Whatever the talking heads on the boob tube tell us to think, that's what we think.

You could perhaps argue this has always been a problem since the dawn of time, but it just seems more pronounced in recent years.

And no one notices.

And those who do notice...they seem to either not care, or have given up trying to make a difference.

Plus there was no "boob tube" until about 1950, so there's that.

This podcast is one man's response to this pandemic of moral laziness and apathy.

Carry yourself with "Vojdaan" and you'll instantly set yourself apart from the zombies inhabiting our land.

This podcast will show you how to do it, and allow you to interact with others who think the same way.

So subscribe to the podcast and reclaim your sanity with daily interviews featuring folks who refuse to march in step with the rhythm of the world that is driving us into despair and chaos.

Follow this show at Vojdaan.com

https://www.jamesdnewcomb.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.jamesdnewcomb.com

About your host

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James Newcomb