Self discovery
The writer, Dr Hasnain Gulamali Walji (Texas, USA) is an entrepreneur, investor, technologist, and community volunteer. Born in Moshi, Tanzania, he is a researcher, speaker, and writer involved in developing professional training and e-learning applications in nutrition and integrative healthcare. He is President of Integrative Quest, Inc, which specialises in formulating and marketing probiotics. He has authored 26 books, all written from a naturopathic perspective, endorsed by the Natural Medicine Society of England, and translated into several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Turkish, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Chinese. A contributor to several journals on environmental and Third World consumer issues, he was the founder and editor of The Vitamin Connection – an International Journal of Nutrition, Health and Fitness, and Healthy Eating. He has written a script for a six-part television series, The World of Vitamins. His institutional work for the Muslim community spans over 30 years. Since 1976, he has served the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities as Secretary-General, Vice-President, and then as President of this august body. He is also a founding director and the Current President of the Mulla Asgher Memorial Library and Resource Centre (MARC) in Toronto. He has served as editor of Shia International and Living Islam Magazines and is a regular contributor to a number of Islamic Journals. He has travelled worldwide, lecturing and reciting Majlises in English, Urdu, and Gujarati. He has a special interest in the History of the Khojas and is currently working on a Documentary called The Khojas – A journey of faith. He is also a founding director of a Social Justice Institute called Penmanship For Peace, focusing on the plight of persecuted minorities, including the Shia in Pakistan and part of a team compiling a volume on Shia Genocide in Pakistan. His passion is to increase interfaith understanding and make this world a better place for his five grandchildren. Dr Walji established MARC. He served as the Secretary-General of WF. Dr Hasnian Walji served as the vice president of WF during Mullah’s leadership in the capacity of the president of the World Federation.
I
n the quiet early hours of the morning, before the demands of the day begin to stir, I find myself reflecting on a concept subtly weaving itself into the fabric of my life – Ikigai. It’s a Japanese word with no direct translation, yet its essence is profound: a reason for being. It’s a call to live with purpose, to find joy in the pursuit of what gives life meaning.
Ikigai isn’t about grand ambitions or lofty achievements. It’s the intersection of what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs and what we can be paid for – a harmonious balance of passion, mission, vocation, and profession.
As I delve deeper into this philosophy, I see how it resonates with the journey I’ve been on. It’s a journey of understanding what truly matters, of peeling back the layers of distraction to uncover the core of who I am and what drives me. It’s about recognising that the path to fulfilment is not linear but rather a winding road that requires patience, introspection, and a willingness to embrace change.
Defining the Four Parts of Ikigai
1. What You Love (Passion): This is the heart of ikigai. It’s about identifying what makes your heart sing – what activities or pursuits you’re naturally drawn to. For me, this is found in the act of writing, in exploring ideas and capturing them in words that resonate with others. Writing has always been a way for me to connect with my inner self and the world around me, to distil complex thoughts into simple, impactful messages. It’s something I do not just out of necessity but because it brings me genuine joy.
2. What You Are Good At (Profession): This is where your skills and expertise come into play. It’s about recognising the talents you’ve honed over time and how they can be applied in a way that’s meaningful. My background in education, research, and digital marketing has equipped me with a unique set of skills. Whether it’s crafting a well-researched article, designing a course, or developing a digital strategy, I find satisfaction in using my abilities to create something of value.
3. What the World Needs (Mission) This aspect of ikigai connects your passions and skills with a broader purpose. It’s about finding a way to contribute to the world, to make a difference in the lives of others. My mission has always been to empower people, whether through education, mentorship, or community engagement. The initiatives I’ve led, like CodeGirls or the Oasis Centre for Intellectual Development, are not just professional endeavours; they are expressions of my commitment to uplift others and provide opportunities for growth and learning.
4. What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation): This is the practical aspect of ikigai—the work that sustains you financially. It’s about aligning your passions and skills with a career that allows you to live comfortably. Over the years, I’ve found ways to integrate my love for writing, teaching, and digital strategy into my vocation. It’s a delicate balance, but one that has allowed me to do work I’m passionate about while also meeting my financial needs.
Applying Ikigai to My Life
In applying Ikigai to my life, I’ve started to ask myself questions that go beyond the surface. What activities make me lose track of time? What causes resonate with my soul? What skills do I possess that can make a difference in the world? These are not easy questions, and the answers are not always clear. But in seeking them, I’ve found a deeper sense of purpose and a renewed energy to live each day with intention.
This practice of living with Ikigai has also made me more tuned to the importance of balance. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for me, one that allows me to give my best in all areas of life without burning out. It’s about understanding that while work is important, so too are the connections we build, the passions we pursue, and the moments of stillness we cherish.
In many ways, Ikigai is a return to simplicity—a reminder that life’s greatest joys are often found in the small, everyday moments. It’s about savouring a cup of tea, engaging in meaningful conversations, and doing work that feels aligned with our values. It’s about living in a way that feels true to who we are, not who the world expects us to be.
As I continue to explore this concept, I’m reminded that Ikigai is not a destination but a journey. It’s a practice, a mindset, a way of being that evolves. It’s about showing up each day with curiosity, with a desire to learn and grow, and with a commitment to live a life that feels rich with meaning and purpose.
And so, I invite you to join me in this exploration of Ikigai. To take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to you. To find joy in the journey and purpose in the pursuit. And to live each day with the knowledge that you are exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you are meant to do.
Self discovery: The essence of Ikigai is to live with purpose, to find joy in the small moments, and to embrace the journey of self-discovery. It’s not about achieving perfection but about living authentically and fully. And in doing so, we find that life becomes not just a series of days but a meaningful rosary experience that enriches our souls.
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