Ikigai (“ee-kee-guy”) is not a newly coined word, but rather a philosophy firmly established in Japanese culture. The term comes from the ancient Japanese language (dating back to the Heian period), where “iki” means life, and “gai” means “value,” translating to “reason for being” or “value in life.”

It was in the late 20th century that ikigai received global attention as the Japanese island of Okinawa emerged as a region with not only the oldest living inhabitants but also people living meaningful, satisfied lives. They had a strong sense of purpose — a value that kept them vibrant and motivated, which contributed to their long lifespan.

In 2016, authors Hector Garcia and Francese Miralles brought worldwide notoriety to the word with their book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Then in 2004, following his study of longevity in the region, researcher Dan Buettner named Okinawa as one of five blue zones in the world.

Four basic elements underlie ikigai: what we love, what the world needs, creating abundance in all areas of our lives and ultimately being in service to all sentient beings. Each of these elements represents a critical area in self-discovery, self-realization, and forming your reason for being. When these four elements intersect, they reveal a person’s ikigai, which continually evolves through the changing stages of our lives.

It is an elegantly simple phrase, yet deeply powerful, and fits into any culture. It offers all of us a unique lens through which to perceive life, our purpose and our happiness. But where to begin?

We can begin with meditation, which steadies our awareness and cultivates energy throughout the body. In the practice of Qigong (a traditional Chinese practice of meditative movement), we discover that being rooted is necessary to rise, and through Tai Chi (a Chinese practice that integrates flowing movement combined with deep breathing and meditation), we discover self-value. All of these ancient practices can help lead us to discovering our unique ikigai.

More deeply, ikigai is grounded in being present for each moment of our lives; to equally accept moments of joy and daily challenges through patience, curiosity and loving kindness for ourselves.

Ikigai is not something we pursue or chase, but rather something we live, feel and become.

Have you found your ikigai?

Susan Lake is the founder and executive director of The Discovery Portal, a local nonprofit organization that empowers and awakens the human spirit. For more information visit www.thediscoveryportal.com.