Pronounced “Ge Borg – En – Height”
In some moments, you might feel unsettled, uncomfortable, or full-unsafe. In others, you might feel safe, comfortable, and protected. In these positive moments, you are experiencing geborgenheit.
What is Geborgenheit?
Geborgenheit is the sensation of being held in a warm embrace, of feeling completely safe and protected from harm. It’s a feeling of deep comfort and security that comes from knowing that you are loved and cared for, and that nothing can harm you. While difficult to translate directly from German to English, this is a feeling we all cherish and pursue.
What does it feel like?
The feeling of geborgenheit is one of deep peace and contentment. It’s the sensation of being completely at ease in your surroundings, and knowing that you are safe and protected from harm. It’s a feeling that can come from many different sources, such as the love of a parent or partner, the warmth of a cozy home, or the simple pleasures of a good book or a warm bath. Whatever the source, the feeling of geborgenheit is one of deep comfort and security.
When you experience geborgenheit, you might notice a few different things within your body. You might feel physically warm, particularly in your chest and stomach. Your neck and shoulders might feel peacefully relaxed. You might also just notice a smile creeping onto your face as tears slowly streak down your cheeks.
How to use Geborgenheit
If you’ve ever felt “warm and cozy” doesn’t quite capture the full feeling, try using geborgenheit instead. This feeling builds on a few different concepts in English, but most notably gives another person credit for helping you feel safe and protected. You can use these shared moments to let another person know how much they mean to you, the impact they have on your life.
You can create more geborgenheit in your life through a few different strategies. First and foremost, surround yourself with people and things that make you feel safe and protected. This might mean spending time with loved ones who support and care for you, or creating a cozy and welcoming space in your home that feels like a refuge from the outside world.
You might also create more geborgenheit in your life by focusing on yourself. Look for the feeling of deep contentment and security, the feeling that only comes from knowing you are loved and cared for, that nothing can harm you. By creating this feeling more and more often in your life, you can experience a sense of peace and tranquility that will help you navigate even the most challenging of times.