Episode 2: IKIGAI is Like Breath
“Ikigai is like breath. Always present, whether or not we notice.”
In this episode, Mayumi reflects on Ikigai through the tender season of midlife and menopause (更年期, kōnenki). With a gentle mix of poetry, Japanese philosophy, and personal story, she explores how purpose isn’t always found in achievement, but in the quiet, ordinary rhythms of daily life.
You’ll hear:
A poem on Ikigai as a living rhythm, like breath
Insights from Mieko Kamiya, Japanese psychiatrist and writer on Ikigai
Personal reflections on divorce, menopause, and rediscovering joy
A reframe of menopause — not as an ending, but as an opening
“We are not breaking down. We are breaking open.”
Whether you’re navigating menopause, carrying silent questions about your value, or simply seeking meaning in your everyday rhythm, this story invites you to pause, breathe, and notice the eternity hidden in the ordinary — a cup of tea, a morning walk, light through a window.
Resources & Ways to Connect
Read more reflections at purejoynaturopathy.com.au
Download my free guide: Golden Renewal — a gentle introduction to menopause as a season of wisdom and renewal
Join a Pyjama Talk — an intimate space to share stories of midlife together
Pour yourself a cup of tea. Take a breath. Let’s listen for the whispers of Ikigai in everyday life.