Urglaawischi Gemietlichkeet

[Rob]

Virtually every language has words that are difficult, if not impossible, to translate into a different language, which is why words are often adopted from one language into another. Some wordsreflect concrete items, such as insects that are native to a particular area or a legal process that is unique to a given country. Other words reflect conceptsthat are new or are unique to a given culture, such as the Polynesian system of tapu or kapu becoming (with some revision) known as “taboo” in English.

One Deitsch word that does not translate exactly into English is Gemietlichkeet (or Gemietlichkeit, depending on one’s local variant of the language). This word is frequently translated as coziness, and that translation is certainly valid. However, there is a deeper aspect to the word that warrants more explanation.

Gemietlichkeet is also a state of belonging to everything and having everything belong to us. It is also a soul-satisfying joy or happiness that simultaneously emanates from and includes that state of belonging. Urglaawe philosophy holds that Gemietlichkeet is a primary goal for personal and community achievement.

A lack of a sense of belonging permeates much of our society in the current era. Very real circumstances force our attention to be focused on paying bills, finishing school projects, ensuring that our jobs skills are current (if we are lucky enough even to have a job!), worrying about the wars or politics, or any number of other issues that constantly bombard us. Many of us barely know our neighbors or are unable to spend a significant amount of time with loved ones. This disconnection from home, family, and community has led to numerous social problems about which all of us are most certainly already painfully aware.

Outside of taking prescription medications, what can be done about this situation? One seemingly simple answer comes to Urglaawe via Braucherei: attune your mindset with the time of year. Right now we are between Walpurgisnacht (April 30) and Midsummer (June 21). At this time we are encouraged to revel in the joys of life. Celebrate the warmth of the sun on the land, the growth of the flowers or the crops, and the love of friends, family and Sippschaft. These are the wonders of life, and through deliberate, conscious living and embracing these joys we begin to set the foundations for incorporating a sense of Gemietlichkeet into our daily routines.

In the next article we will explore this concept deeper, including dealing with challenges that we commonly face. In the mean time, I invite everyone to consider all the reasons to be grateful for the people and the things we have around us! Hail!