Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia

I love tennis. Due to a knee injury and sitting in the stands to watch tennis instead of being on court, I have had a lot of time to read this summer.  To be honest, it has been lovely and rejuvenating.  I have come to be reacquainted with the meditative feeling of flow when immersed in a book – fiction and non-fiction.

My latest read is Ikigai -The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.  This short, insightful read was so timely for me as I am reaching a stage of re-invention in my life.  I have been practicing dentistry for 28 years, have had my dental practice for 16 years, my children are off to university and my husband is busier than ever with his career.  Life is good.  However, there has been a need to sit to reflect so that the future can be envisioned and mapped.  What do the next 10-15 years look like?

One of the first things Ikigai states is “Whatever you do, do not retire!!”  You must find your Ikigai, your passion fuelled purpose, your reason for being.  So timely!!  Especially since AI algorithms reshape work and daily life.

 

Ikigai.  Do what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and something for which you will be compensated.  Woven into this is your passion, your mission, your vocation and your profession. When all of this meets, this is your Ikigai.

For me, I love preventative dentistry.  I love serving to keep people healthy, the world needs this.  I see oral health very differently than when I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbour with my doctor of dental surgery degree in 1998.  I am a life long learner and my career has evolved beyond tooth based dentistry.  I am fascinated by the complete picture.

I love early interventional orthodontics, understanding growth for our growing population, diagnosing the need for and practicing craniofacial growth guidance.  I am fuelled by understanding that betting the function of oral health leads to overall better health – being part of this process is empowering for me.  I desire to continue to learn and be better and serve.  I desire to help my team grow to see their purpose as health care professionals as well.

As my practice continues so evolve with an incredible team, two fantastic associates, amazing clinical and administrative support, Bloor West Dental, Health and Wellness lives true to its name.  This is my Ikigai.

-Dr. Nisha Ondhia