Ikigai

The Japanese are famous for their long and healthy lives, particularly in areas such as Okinawa Prefecture, one of the world's renowned "Blue Zones". These regions are celebrated for the exceptional longevity of their residents, with factors such as diet and physical activity often credited for their extraordinary lifespans. However, this can overlook more subtle influences that also contribute significantly to wellbeing, including community, connection with nature, and a sense of purpose.

For the Japanese, this idea is often captured by the concept of Ikigai, which roughly translates as "a reason for being". Ikigai is commonly represented as the intersection of four key elements of a fulfilling life:

• What you love (passion)

• What you are good at (profession)

• What the world needs (mission)

• What you can be paid for (vocation)

  
  

For me, Forest School feels closely aligned with my own Ikigai. It allows me to combine my passion for helping children grow and develop with my experience in coaching and leadership, while addressing a growing need to reconnect children with outdoor play and the natural world.

I also believe that Forest School can help children take their first steps towards discovering their own reasons for being. During a session they are given a rare opportunity: for a couple of hours they are free to explore what genuinely interests them. They can discover what they love without the expectations, pressures and structure that often accompany other aspects of childhood.

At the same time, they frequently uncover strengths and abilities they never knew they possessed. Whether it is Hapa Zome, tree climbing, den building, bird spotting, fire lighting or whittling, the natural environment offers endless opportunities for children to develop confidence through competence.

As for mission and vocation, these can remain distant considerations for the future. While they may eventually become important components of a fulfilling life, Forest School offers children something equally valuable in the present moment: the freedom to play, explore and simply be. For a short time each week, surrounded by nature, they are not required to think about what they might become. Instead, they are free to discover who they are.