Discovering Ikigai in Tenerife: A Japanese Concept of Well-being
Many people search for balance and fulfillment in their lives, yet few find a sustainable way to align their passions, talents and purpose. The Japanese philosophy of Ikigai - which translates as "a reason for being" - offers a powerful framework for achieving long-term happiness, purpose and fulfillment. This concept, often visualized as the intersection between what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for, has captivated audiences around the globe. Surprisingly, one of the most popular books on Ikigai “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” was authored by Spanish writers Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia and in many ways, elements of this philosophy are already deeply embedded in Spanish culture.
Recognizing the power and relevance of this approach, TeneLearning, a well-established educational center in Tenerife, Spain, recently hosted an immersive training as part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU project "Active Aging and 4 Ways to Kick Post-Retirement Depression”. The training brought together 20 participants from Associazione Atlas Onlus (Italy), Outdoor Against Cancer (Germany), KEPEZ İLÇE MİLLÎ EĞİTİM MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ (Turkey) and TeneLearning (Spain) to explore the principles of Ikigai in both theory and practice — particularly in the context of active and meaningful aging.
Self-reflection and Ikigai in Puerto de la Cruz
The training began in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz with a get to know round and presentation of organisations, followed by a short presentation of Tenerife, followed by a friendly branch at a local café focused on introspection and self-discovery. Participants began by conducting a personal life scan, evaluating key areas such as energy, relationships, physical activity, joy and purpose. This exercise served as a grounding point to identify which aspects of their lives required more attention or transformation.
Afterwards, participants took part in a guided walk through the city, observing how local residents and small businesses embrace the principles of Ikigai in their daily lives. The walk highlighted examples of craftsmanship, community service and lifestyle choices aligned with purpose and joy. These moments served as a reflection of how Ikigai can be lived out in simple, everyday actions.
Finding one's Ikigai
The second day was followed by an interactive workshop led by TeneLearning trainers Olga Keliy and Antanina Stankevich. The session introduced the core elements of Ikigai through engaging examples and relatable storytelling. Main idea was to give participants real examples of how to use Ikigai ideas to live a more fulfilled life. Few main ideas are following:
Stay active; don’t retire.
Take it slow.
Don’t fill your stomach.
Surround yourself with good friends.
Live in the moment.
Follow your ikigai.
Smile.
Participants were then divided into groups to create their personal Ikigai roadmaps using colorful and interactive materials. Each group presented their findings in creative and meaningful ways, opening up rich discussions on individual aspirations and collective insights.
Create your personal Ikigai roadmap
Mindfulness and Connection between mind, body, and purpose
The final day of the training focused on mindfulness and physical well-being — essential elements of the Ikigai lifestyle. Participants engaged in guided meditation and gentle Pilates sessions, designed to foster inner calm and body awareness. These practices not only helped participants relax but also deepened their understanding of how mindfulness supports mental clarity and purpose-driven living.
The group also discussed practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily routines and how such habits can improve overall life quality, especially during later stages of life. Through these exercises, participants experienced firsthand how cultivating mental and physical balance can help them reconnect with their deeper motivations and sense of purpose.
Reflections from Participants and Trainers
Olga Keliy, Trainer and Co-founder at TeneLearning:
"At TeneLearning, we believe that Ikigai is a powerful philosophy and practice. By combining self-reflection, community interaction and mindfulness, we help participants discover not just what they want to do, but WHY they want to do it."
Michaela Wiese, Outdoor Against Cancer, Participant of Ikigai trainings, Active Aging Project Management:
"For me it was especially interesting to dive a bit deeper into IKIGAI which I had never practiced before. And I really liked the open and energetic collaboration between the partners from different countries."
The Journey Towards Purpose Continues
The Ikigai training hosted by TeneLearning provided more than just theoretical knowledge. It offered a transformative experience that blended emotional awareness, cultural exploration and personal growth. Whether young or old, employed or retired, every participant walked away with a deeper sense of purpose and a practical toolkit for living more intentionally. As we continue our work in educational innovation and lifelong learning, we remain committed to creating spaces that foster self-discovery, resilience, and well-being. Ikigai, as we have seen, is not just a destination — it's a journey worth taking.
A journey worth taking!
For more information on the project, check out the Active Aging website and our social media accounts on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube!
