Ownership: The silent killer of compassion

Love, in its purest form, gives freedom. It does not control or claim ownership over people or situations. When love turns into possession, its fragrance begins to fade. When parents assume that their children belong to them or partners believe they own each other, love gradually turns into pressure. The suffocation that follows has deeper roots.

Ownership quietly breeds fear – that of losing, fear of change, fear of rejection. Yet if we observe life closely, we realise that we truly own nothing. Youth fades, possessions change hands, relationships evolve with time. Everything in this world is temporary. When we understand this truth, we begin to appreciate what we have without clinging to it. We learn to hold gently rather than tightly.

Love does not demand recognition or appreciation. The act of loving is complete and fulfilling in itself. A heart that feels satisfaction in loving does not wait for applause. But when we repeatedly remind others of our sacrifices, it shows that we are seeking validation.

When we begin to think “I deserve this”, gratitude slowly disappears from life. This subtle sense of entitlement silently steals our joy. When a family member supports us, we think, “They are supposed to do that.” Yet if they fail to meet our expectations, we feel hurt. In this way, our belief that we deserve certain treatment blocks our ability to feel thankful.

Gratitude should not depend on grand achievements or extraordinary gestures. When we assume life owes us something, even the greatest blessings begin to look ordinary. Instead of noticing what is present, we focus on what is missing.

YOU OWN NOTHING

No one owes us anything. Every action is a choice. A mother chooses to care. A father chooses to provide. A friend chooses to support. When we begin to see these actions as conscious expressions of love rather than obligations, appreciation naturally arises.

We begin to notice the smaller blessings – the air we breathe, the water we drink, the warmth of the sun, the shelter above our heads. None of these is guaranteed, yet they are given freely every day. When we expect nothing, everything feels like a gift.

Life is not meant to be owned but experienced. Neither the body, nor relationships, nor possessions truly belong to us. Everything can change in a single moment. When we drop the attitude of entitlement and ownership, gratitude becomes our natural state. Each second feels precious.

Life is filled with countless gifts. To live with awareness, humility, and thankfulness is to transform every ordinary moment into something sacred. In freedom from ownership, compassion blossoms naturally – light, joyful, and complete.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica