Work that Resonates: Navigating Purpose, Passion & Practicality

A reflective gathering for those seeking alignment in their professional journey

• "Ikigai is where joy, skill, service, and sustenance converge.
  It’s work that feels less like a sacrifice and more like a quiet homecoming."
  — Inspired by Héctor García & The School of Life: On Work

Are you wondering:

🌿 How can my work align more deeply with who I am?
⚖️ Is it possible to honor both my values and my need for stability?
✨ Where might purpose already exist, even in my daily tasks?

You’re not alone. This gathering is for anyone curious about weaving together purpose, skills, and livelihood—whether you see your work as a job, career, or calling.

Come explore with us:

🔹 How to recognize "resonant work" (what energizes vs. drains you)
🔹 Balancing idealism with realism, navigating the tension—without guilt
🔹 Small, brave steps toward meaningful professional progress

📅 Agenda / What You'll Experience

💬 Icebreaker Reflective Cards (Round 1)

Begin with themed virtual questions cards weaving ikigai’s wisdom + pragmatism. Here are some sample questions.

1. Passion and Strengths

• What task makes time disappear for you? How could it play a larger role?
• When has work felt like play—or punishment?

2. Impact and Sustenance

• How does your current work serve others? How might it do so more deeply?
• Where do you negotiate between dreams and practicality?

From there, we’ll embark on a respectful, engaging, and meaningful conversation, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and ideas within the group.

Note: This session may involve virtual question cards accessed via a link or QR code. If you do not have a device (phone/tablet) to access these, please ask a facilitator for assistance; we have spare units available.

💬 Spontaneous Reflection Question (Optional)

After warming up, our diverse group of friends and strangers will come together in a circle to exchange ideas on an intriguing topic chosen spontaneously. We may either continue with questions from the round one, or write our own questions.

Each participant is encouraged to contribute by sharing a unique question. You’re welcome to bring a question that’s been on your mind, or you can draw inspiration from the conversation cards provided. Once all the questions are collected, the group will collaboratively select one to kick off the discussion.

From there, we’ll embark on a respectful, engaging, and meaningful conversation, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and ideas within the group.

💬 Final Thoughts and Feedback

Where time allows, in the final 10 minutes of the event, we’ll take a moment to reflect on the key insights, memorable moments, and takeaways from our discussions. This is a chance to distill the shared wisdom and leave with a deeper understanding of the topics we’ve explored together.

After the event officially concludes, the group may choose to extend the session, depending on the group’s interest. Of course, you’re welcome to leave at any time that feels right for you.

An anonymized summary will be shared for sessions where key insights are identified. After the meeting, our facilitators and participants may reflect on the discussion and contribute to a summary or collaborative workbook based on their notes and observations. Additionally, questions may be revisited in future sessions in an anonymized manner. To explore what our events are like, you can browse some of our past meetings archived at curioussoulscafe.substack.com

📍 Location

City: Hong Kong
Address: Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East

Inside the shopping mall of Empire Centre, there is a large open area dedicated to a café. We will sit at a round table or sofa inside (near a Hang Seng ATM or 7-Eleven store). Please look for the big words "Curious Souls Café" on our table.

If you take the MTR, the nearest station and exit will be East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit P1). From there, you can walk to Empire Centre, which is just a few minutes away.

Google Maps link: maps.app.goo.gl/51Jr8qxY4q5YLQ6q7

🈚 Free of Charge

While there is no charge to attend, we kindly encourage you to support the venue by purchasing a drink and/or any items from their menu.

Note: This event is not affiliated with the restaurant, or any third-party names mentioned.

✨ What is Curious Souls Café?

Welcome to Curious Souls Café! 👋 Designed to nurture healthy curiosity and foster connections, this is a warm and friendly space for meaningful conversations. 😊 We invite you to join us for an experience filled with thought-provoking dialogue, meaningful connections, and personal growth.

We look forward to meeting you at one of our events in the future!