Ikigai Thought for Today: A Radical Idea
Getting to the root of Ikigai
Let’s talk about a radical idea.
I came across the original meaning of ‘radical.’ It was stunning to find the origin had nothing to do with being innovative, outlandish, political or any other ideas I had about the word.
radical (adj.) …originating in the root or ground; vital to life,"
from Latin radicalis "of or having roots,"
The symbolic meaning is "going to the origin, the essential.” The primary sense of the word in all definitions is "pertaining or relating to a root or roots," hence “extreme or deepest.”
Going Deep
What would it mean for us to have a radical understanding of our Ikigai?
To explore the deepest parts of ourselves by digging down to the roots, exposing the origin story of why we are here—removing layers to uncover the essential understanding vital to life.
I want to explore Radical Ikigai in my life.
Want to come along?
Brings new understanding to the term "Radical Acceptance", huh?
Ah, I like how your Ikigai thoughts work in my head, David, as the free radical term comes to mind (why must we free a radical?!); this takes me back to the high school and college chemistry classes- where an atom, or molecule, or ion has at least one unpaired valence electron, called a free radical. This baddy (or goody) gets to the root and it helps to understand its relationships with say antioxidants, or cancer or Alzheimer's disease. I'm not digressing, but removing layers requires strength, guts, and determination and can be an eye-opener when the true self is revealed. Then what? Will root-causes of certain behaviors come to the surface to help improve relationships? Will the radical idea help with cooperation and collaboration to surpass survival mode to live in thrive mode? Thanks for freeing these radicals.