Bezinning

Bezinning is a Dutch noun that refers to the act of thinking carefully, reflecting, or contemplating one's life, beliefs, or choices. It derives from the verb bezinnen, meaning to reflect or become aware, with the noun forming the indication of the process. In usage, bezinning often implies a deliberate, inward consideration aimed at gaining insight or guiding decisions.

In religious and spiritual contexts, bezinning denotes a form of discernment or contemplative reflection. It can involve introspection, prayer, reading, and examination of conscience to discern moral obligations, a sense of purpose, or the will of God. It is common in Christian traditions, including Protestant and Catholic practices, and may be part of devotional or penitential routines.

In secular contexts, bezinning is used to describe thoughtful consideration of ethical questions, personal goals, or public issues. The emphasis is on understanding meaning, evaluating consequences, and aligning actions with values rather than on rapid or impulsive behavior.

Relation to meditation: bezinning foregrounds reasoning, meaning, and moral or existential assessment, while meditation is often associated with mental stillness or mindfulness. The two can overlap in practice, but bezinning centers on reflective judgment and life-orientation. In contemporary Dutch, phrases such as een moment van bezinning are common in both everyday speech and literary or media contexts. Synonyms include overpeinzing, reflectie, overweging, and introspectie.