Ikigai and the Search for Meaning
Last week, the Momentum Center hosted a Town Hall on Mental Health and Religion, where we examined both the positive and negative impacts of religion on mental well-being. Religion can offer many benefits, such as providing rituals, shared stories, and a strong sense of community. Historically, places of worship served as an important “third place” beyond home and work, where people regularly gathered for connection and support.
However, religion is not without its challenges. While faith can be a source of comfort and resilience, it can also sometimes be used to avoid difficult emotions or personal struggles. Rev. Phil Quinn introduced us to the concept of spiritual bypassing—when people rely on spiritual beliefs or practices to sidestep deeper emotional or psychological challenges rather than addressing them directly. This can manifest in various ways, such as focusing solely on the positive while ignoring pain, or using religious teachings to justify inaction in the face of hardship. Recognizing this potential pitfall allows us to engage with faith in a way that truly supports mental and emotional well-being.
Both religious and secular belief systems play a fundamental role in helping people find purpose and meaning in their lives. At its core, our search for meaning is deeply connected to our relationships with others. In his TED Talk How to Live a Meaningful Life, Brian Lowery explains that meaning comes from playing a role in someone else’s story. This insight highlights one of the greatest costs of isolation: when we are disconnected from others, we lose opportunities to contribute to their lives, and in turn, we lose a vital source of personal fulfillment.
This idea closely relates to Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being” or “life’s purpose.” Ikigai is found at the intersection of what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. However, not everyone has just one calling. As Emilie Wapnick explains in her TED Talk Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling, many people thrive in multiple roles or pursuits, and that’s okay.
Ultimately, finding our Ikigai is deeply connected to our relationships with others. By engaging with our community and contributing to the well-being of those around us, we can discover our own unique path to meaning and fulfillment. At the Momentum Center, we are committed to supporting each individual's journey towards finding their Ikigai and living a meaningful life. You are invited to join us as we explore this transformative concept together.
Namaste,
Barbara Lee VanHorssen
Experi-Mentor
Barbara@MomentumCenterGH.org
