Ownership

What do you own? Think about it, take out paper and pen, and compose a list. That is correct, I want you to make a list of everything that you own–all of it. To be sure, most are physically and mentally unable to create such a comprehensive list. Yet, nevertheless, the effort is paramount.

Look at your list. Now, take out a bright red pen and begin the editing process. I am not advocating a great purge of possessions, but I am asserting that a re-evaluation needs to take place.

What is it that we own? Perhaps more importantly, I should ask what are the things that own us? And moreover, do we really own them? Central to this discussion is freedom. When we make a new purchase, we instantly give that purchase power and authority over us. A new sweater has a part in defining how other perceive us, a new car demands upkeep and attention, even the gifts we buy for others create a situation that requires both responsibility as well as action. We are not, however, shackled by the things we possess. Instead we engage in an exchange with them. Their authority over us is not outside our influence and direction. The sweater may define us, but it may do so in the way that we choose; and more importantly, it provides the very fundamental usage to which all clothes provide. The car, while in need of periodic maintenance, gives us, in exchange, transportation from one point to the next.

More so than owning our “possessions,” we are in a relationship with them. Our language would deny this, however, in so far as is conceptualizes our contemporary views of ownership. “That is mine.” “This is yours.” How we conceptualize, or envision, ownership and possession is unilateral, but the reality is far different. The Hebrew language asserts a different vision. It asserts usage, not literal ownership. In the theological sense, G-d is the only true owner of anything. “That is mine” becomes “That is to me.”

True freedom begins when we begin to acknowledge that life is made of relationships, not unilateral actions. We do nothing in solitude, and we own nothing. We are in need of all that is around us and we are only passing through this world. All that we own and all that owns us will, at some point, mean nothing. Living an interconnected life based on one’s relationship with all things is the basis of created true freedom for one’s self. To recognize and give gratitude to those things and those people around us that help us achieve all that we want–be it a teacher in a school, or a simple salad for lunch–we begin to experience life in a more mindful, enlightened, and free way.

Blessed are those who are mindful of our places in the world.