Why

 

The Japanese call it Ikigai, the Greeks Eudaemonia, and the Zulu say Ubuntu. We don't have an equivalent word in English, just phrases that reach for, but never quite grasp the concept. The closest attempts are: "the reason for being" or "the life well-lived" or "that which gives life value".

As illustrated in the diagram below Ikigai, is the intersection of one's joy, purpose, skill, and contribution. Many other cultures comprehend the deep satisfaction and peace one feels at the synthesis of effort and offering. In fact, the Hebrew word Shalom, used in salutation, conveys the desire for one to "be made whole". In other words, to arrive at the fusion of peace, talent, intention, and fulfillment.




I found Ikigai while teaching. 
  • As an insatiable learner with endless curiosity, I'm always gathering more information which serves a very useful purpose in the classroom. 
  • My incurable optimism finds something to celebrate in every student. 
  • Fascinated by so many things, the varied subjects of Social Science: history, cultures, geography, government, literature, religion, and economics, both fuels and fills me.
  • Novelty, variety, and spontaneity are personal musts that, I've discovered, breathe new life into what (unsuspecting) students think are dead and dusty subjects.
  • I genuinely enjoy meeting people and learning what makes them tick. This might be my secret sauce, but I don't have proof. 

Teaching is the place where all of my likes and loves and musts converge.   

I never planned to be a teacher, but three decades ago, my then six-year-old daughter needed me to learn how to teach her. It didn't feel like a decision. It felt like meeting a need, doing what must be done...caring, loving...parenting. 

Once I started, I never stopped. And now you know why. 

Graphic Credit: Toronto Star Graphics

Comments

  1. A sojournerJuly 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM

    Robin, I have learned several new concepts through this post. I think I share your fascination for many things...and I have come to accept that optimism is a much preferred posture for engaging the world, rather than the alternatives. Even more interestingly, I learned a bit about what makes you tick. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Robin WhitakerJuly 21, 2025 at 4:33 PM

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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