Ikigai: Something one lives for; purpose in life
Dharma: Duty
Over the past seven years, I’ve been teaching a weekly “Mind/Body/Spirit” class at the Jewish Guild for the Blind. This is the organization I was originally introduced to by our theatrical union, AFTRA (prior to SAG-AFTRA merger), which gave their membership the ability to learn broadcasting skills as a volunteer reader for the visually-impaired at InTouch Networks supported and housed for 30 years at The Guild. Shortly after I came on board in 2008, however, the Guild stopped funding, closing down the 5 soundproof studios used daily by a rotating roster of volunteer broadcasters.
The late Richard J. Koziol, Board President & Broadcast Technology Consultant and Gail Starkey, Director, for InTouch Networks, however, reorganized a new 501(c)(3) to take over the feed and instantly become Gatewave. All the volunteers were then given the challenge to learn how to record out of their homes. Quite a transition! I now have my own show, “The Cinematic Arts,” which has been a HUGE commitment of volunteer time, but it’s also an exciting place to do my “duty” and filter the healthy, more nutritious nuggets out of our current pop culture to share with my listeners.
Who’s listening? I have no idea. Some of my soap fans have tried to find me, but I air only once — no podcasts/no replay. Very old-fashioned. And I relish the responsibility. Is something like this my “greatest good?” I have no idea. I do know being introduced to the Guild led me to teaching this uniquely designed “Mind/Body/Spirit” class long after InTouch Networks left the premises. And yes, my class gives back as much, if not more, as I give.
The premise behind our class is “awareness.” Not only of the body, but of the mind. I find myself continually reaffirming weekly to our class, “despite your limitations, your true power is within your own mind. You have the power to affect change in your life depending how you react to challenge.”
“What you think = becomes what you say”
“What you say = becomes what you ultimately do in life.”
“What you do = becomes who you are as a person.”
And that ultimately, I would faithfully profess, “is your dharma.”
Now, I always thought dharma meant purpose in life, however according to the dictionary, Dharma means duty and Ikigai is more rightly, your purpose in life. Thank you, Bonnie Gillespie, Casting Director for setting me straight. I’m now sharing Bonnie’s bubble chart pictured above with my Business of the Buzz, social media class for the SAG-AFTRA Conservatory. Bonnie breaks down the Ikigai Bubble pictured above in detail on her blog so I won’t do that here. Suffice it to say I’ve been sitting in the Passion Section to the detriment of the Professional Section for a little too long. Events do seem to be leading me into the Mission Section, but whether all this will become a vocation or a profession, is yet to be determined. Still seeking the balance of the bubble.
Are others approaching retirement age questioning the same? Examining choice — to the detriment of opportunity?
Britt Hall, Minister for Unity (NY) recently presented the Year of 12 Powers. January is “Faith: Expect solid results over time”
This is exactly what social media is all about and how businesses are learning to use social media to their advantage. They’re keeping a pulse on what the public is feeling; and if you’re Trump, you’re using the power of social media to sway public opinion in your favor! Scary, right? But the man is getting some solid results – in spite of Sarah Palin’s endorsement. Personally, I’m praying there’s a higher power guiding this year’s election and may the best (wo)man win.
The rest of us need to just KEEP THE FAITH.
Faith alone, however, means nothing without taking ACTION.
FAITH + ACTION = PURPOSE
Whatever we focus our energy on, WILL MANIFEST. I firmly believe this. I’m not always in control of what manifests, but most of the time we do have a choice. Take a good look at the bubble on right that says “That which the world needs” when casting your vote in November. Make sure your vote aligns with “that which you love” (for America). Part of my personal goal is fulfilling the passion that also aligns with “that which you can be paid for.”
Maybe one day our nation as a whole will continue its Ikigai, and each of us individually will continue to have the personal freedom to choose our life path leading to our own Ikigai.
Looking forward to what the 2nd Power is for February — stay tuned.