Ikigai Life Solutions

Ikigai Life Solutions Counselling/ Psychotherapy/Training

When was the last time someone really listened to what you had to say?Meet Paul Jenkinson, a 71-year-old retired social ...
06/10/2025

When was the last time someone really listened to what you had to say?

Meet Paul Jenkinson, a 71-year-old retired social worker who is spending a year travelling across the country with two foldable chairs and a sign that’s says, “You are not alone! I will listen”.

He sets up in parks or public spaces and just waits for anyone who may feel the need to just talk. He wants people to know that they are seen and that no matter what they are going through, good or bad, there’s always someone to listen.

After spending a few hours with him I was amazed at how many strangers would see the sign and stop to chat.

He opened up that when he lost his daughter, he struggled a bit to feel comfortable sharing with people what he was going through because he worried that he wouldn’t be heard or that people would try to find words when no words would be enough.

If you see Paul in your town or city, pull up a chair and say hi.

And remember, you are not alone.

✨ The Young Monk and the Master’s Lesson on Suffering ✨One day, a young monk walked slowly behind his master, his head h...
04/10/2025

✨ The Young Monk and the Master’s Lesson on Suffering ✨

One day, a young monk walked slowly behind his master, his head heavy with thoughts. After some time, he finally spoke:

“Master, why does suffering always follow me? No matter where I go, no matter how much I try, pain and worry never leave my side.”

The old master stopped, smiled softly, and pointed at a clay pot nearby. Inside it was a small plant.

“Do you see this plant, child?” the master asked.

“Yes, Master,” the monk replied.

“This plant grows because someone waters it every day. Without water, without care, it would wither away. Now tell me, who waters your suffering?”

The monk thought for a moment and then said, “I… I think it is my own mind.”

The master nodded. “Yes. Every time you hold on to the past, you give it water. Every time you worry about the future, you give it sunlight. Every time you repeat your pain in your head, you give it soil to grow stronger roots. That is why suffering walks with you—it is the plant you yourself keep alive.”

The monk’s eyes filled with tears. “Then, Master, how do I stop watering it?”

The master placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered:
“Plant another seed. Water peace, kindness, and gratitude. Feed your mind with compassion instead of fear. Suffering will wither on its own, because nothing can survive without your attention.”

From that day, the monk began to change his thoughts—less watering of suffering, more watering of joy. And little by little, his life transformed.

💡Takeaway: What you water will grow. Stop feeding your suffering, and start feeding your peace.

Here’s why constantly putting others first can silently harm your health: being a people pleaser may seem harmless, but ...
25/09/2025

Here’s why constantly putting others first can silently harm your health: being a people pleaser may seem harmless, but over time it creates chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and a weakened immune system. When your body is in a constant state of stress from trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, it can trigger inflammation and, eventually, autoimmune conditions—where your own body starts attacking itself. The truth is, saying “yes” all the time comes at the cost of your well-being. Protecting your boundaries, learning to say “no,” and prioritizing self-care aren’t selfish acts—they are essential for your survival and long-term health. Remember: your worth isn’t measured by how much you sacrifice for others.

I once read that in Japan, love isn’t defined by passion, grand romance, or bouquets of flowers on special days. It’s de...
08/09/2025

I once read that in Japan, love isn’t defined by passion, grand romance, or bouquets of flowers on special days. It’s defined by respect for personal space.

In their culture, it’s not about demanding constant closeness or asking endless questions. While we often say: “If you love someone, you must always be by their side,” they believe: “If you love someone, you let them breathe.”

There is even a concept called “oyakake bukaeru” — the silence beside someone. The ability to sit together for an hour without words — not because of anger, but because you feel calm. In many cultures, silence is seen as a problem. In Japan, it’s a sign of depth.

Love there doesn’t mean “always together.” It’s normal for couples to sleep in separate rooms, take separate vacations, or pursue different interests. Independence is not betrayal. Distance is not the end. What matters most is not interfering with each other’s essence.

Happiness is not something demanded from the other person, but the peace you bring into the relationship. That’s why in Japan, divorce rates are lower, there are fewer emotional breakdowns, and less burnout.

Maybe it’s because their relationships aren’t built on consumption, but on respect. On quiet care. On giving each other the freedom to simply be. 🌿

DON’T DO ANYTHING. JUST REST.Don’t fall into the trap of believing that doing nothing… means doing nothing for yourself....
05/06/2025

DON’T DO ANYTHING. JUST REST.
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that doing nothing… means doing nothing for yourself.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that not being productive is somehow a failure.
That if it doesn’t have a visible outcome, it doesn’t count.
That rest is wasted time.

We’ve become so used to being busy —
to checking off boxes,
to tracking our progress,
to measuring worth in output —
that we’ve forgotten something essential:

Rest is productive.

It’s the moment your body heals.
Your mind exhales.
Your soul whispers.

Reading a magazine.
Taking a long shower.
Sitting in the garden with a warm cup of coffee.
None of it is a waste.

Because time spent resting… is time well spent.

We’re not machines.
We’re not meant to hustle 24/7.
We are human beings.

And sometimes, we just need to be.

— Becky Hemsley

People with higher self esteem are found to be better social relationships, more success at school and work, better ment...
27/03/2025

People with higher self esteem are found to be better social relationships, more success at school and work, better mental and physical health, and less antisocial behavior.

Low self esteem often arises from a combination of factors including negative childhood experiences, bullying , trauma, and societal pressures, mental health issues , physical health challenges, and unhealthy relationships can further contribute to feelings of inadequacy.

It is fluid in nature that, one with high self esteem at a point in life can have low self esteem later due to variety of factors.

How to work on building the self esteem-
🧚Stop being a people pleaser
🧚‍♀️Write out a list of things you admire about yourself
🧚‍♂️Step outside your comfort zone
🧚‍♀️Embrace physical exercise
🧚‍♂️Stop comparing yourself to others
🧚‍♀️Forgive yourself for your past thoughts
🧚‍♀️Set boundaries in your relationships
🧚‍♂️Give back through volunteering
🧚‍♀️Practice kindness towards others
🧚‍♀️Celebrate your wins
🧚‍♀️Let go of negative people
🧚‍♀️Be mindful of the quality of positivity

🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️ In case you think that the things in life getting out of control, don’t think twice in seeking professional help.

Happiness depends on how do we see the world around us…😍…
12/02/2025

Happiness depends on how do we see the world around us…😍…



Growth is not linear…it’s multidimensional.Don’t prioritise your looks my friend, as they won’t last the journey.Your se...
15/06/2023

Growth is not linear…it’s multidimensional.
Don’t prioritise your looks my friend, as they won’t last the journey.
Your sense of humour though, will only get better with age.
Your intuition will grow and expand like a majestic cloak of wisdom.
Your ability to choose your battles, will be fine-tuned to perfection.
Your capacity for stillness, for living in the moment, will blossom.
Your desire to live each and every moment will transcend all other wants.
Your instinct for knowing what (and who) is worth your time, will grow and flourish like ivy on a castle wall.
Don’t prioritise your looks my friend,
they will change forevermore, that pursuit is one of much sadness and disappointment.
Prioritise the uniqueness that make you you, and the invisible magnet that draws in other like-minded souls to dance in your orbit.
These are the things which will only get better.

~ Donna Ashworth : from ‘the right words’
🍀🌹🌟
[Image: Donna Ashworth]

I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they wi...
25/04/2023

I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain. ❤️‍🩹

- James Baldwin

Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life. That is why man is ...
23/04/2023

Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life. That is why man is even ready to suffer, on the condition, to be sure, that his suffering has a meaning. ~Viktor Frankl

(Art: ‘La galeria’, 1928 by Feliu Elias)
Credit- internet

It’s all about the mindset.🧘‍♂️ 👀 ✨
13/04/2023

It’s all about the mindset.
🧘‍♂️ 👀 ✨

Few reminders which will take you a long way..✨✌️
03/04/2023

Few reminders which will take you a long way..
✨✌️

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