The J♥️ asks some big questions: what am I here for? Where am I going? These are questions of meaning and purpose which give our lives a sense of significance and play crucial roles in our well-being and sense of fulfilment.
We develop motivation and direction if we know where we're going and what we are doing. We are more likely to be able the endure difficulties and setbacks. Research suggests that having a sense of purpose is linked to better bodymind health, lower stress levels and improves our immunity. When we share sense of purpose, we strengthen social bonds and relationships through common ground to connect and collaborate.
We will lead a meaningful life if we can align our actions and values with a larger purpose. The Japanese word "ikigai" embodies the idea that a meaningful and fulfilling life arises when you find balance and harmony among different aspects of your existence. The diagram commonly associated with ikigai illustrates the convergence of four elements: - what you love (your passion) - what you are good at (your vocation) - what the world needs (your mission or the part you will play) - what you can be paid for (your work).
Ikigai is the sweet spot, the intersection of these four elements. If you can live in accordance with your ikigai then you have the possibiltiy of living with purpose and joy. We are often encouraged to 'follow our passion' but how do we know what we might be passionate about until we try and perhaps fail. It might be better to suggest we 'follow our curiosity' and see where this takes us keeping ourselves in balance and in inquiry as we venture out.
As always The Cards are here to help when we're not sure or asking ourselves big questions. The hares on our card are surrounded by paths or tunnels. Which way will they go? The path is rarely straight and it is of course possible to get lost, stuck or end up in a different place to the one you imagined. Hares have various symbolic meanings including agility, trickery, cycles and transformation which invite us to contemplate the interconnectedness of nature and the mystery of life. 8♠️, 9♠️ & 10♠️ may help to start your journey along with the next card, Q♥️.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life”
C o n n e c t i o n s
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
This is What Was Bequeathed Us by Gregory Orr
‘What makes you feel fulfilled and energised? What do you care deeply about? What would you like to explore?’