Reisinn

Life is a Journey

What is the meaning of life? – When we asked ourselves this question, it felt natural to begin by looking more closely at the word itself.
What do we actually mean when we speak of “meaning”?

Around the same time, we began to travel – and noticed how each journey subtly changed us.

What we then discovered about the German word for meaning (“Sinn”) surprised us. Closely related to the English word sense, Sinn originates from the Old High German sin, which stands for “way” or “journey”. The verb sinnan can accordingly be translated as “to travel”, “to wander”, or “to strive”. Its roots reach back to the Indo-European word sent, which means “to travel”, “to go”, or “to move”. Related to this is the Latin sensus or sentire, meaning “to feel” or “to perceive”. In its original sense, Sinn therefore carries a simple but profound message:

To feel the journey.

Seen this way, the meaning of life reveals itself as a journey through life itself. The goal is not somewhere far ahead – the path itself is the goal.

Life unfolds in being perceived, experienced, and sensed.

We encounter diverse landscapes, plants, animals, foods, and atmospheres, as well as small, easily overlooked details. Through the people we meet, we get to know new or almost forgotten ways of seeing and relating to the world. At times, part of the journey is shared.

Our perspective and way of life are always limited; they are never the measure of all things. Other people, other places, other viewpoints broaden our horizon and invite reflection. We learn from one another, and also from other living beings. Ultimately, we are part of a bigger picture. We don’t live next to nature – we live within it.

Outer journeys are accompanied by inner movement.

It changes how we see the world, sharpens perception, and opens us to what is new. In encountering landscapes and cultures, something begins to move within us: a quiet inner response to what we perceive with all our senses.

From these thoughts and perceptions, Reisinn emerged.