The true essence of love: appreciation, not possession
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Osho’s profound words remind us that true love is not about control or possession but about appreciation and reverence.
When we love something—or someone—our instinct may sometimes be to hold on tightly, fearing loss. However, real love flourishes when it is given the space to exist freely. Just as a flower remains most beautiful when left to bloom in its natural environment, love thrives when it is nurtured with respect, not ownership. To truly love is to admire without needing to claim, to cherish without seeking to change.
This idea is deeply rooted in many spiritual traditions that emphasize the importance of detachment and selflessness in love. In Buddhism, attachment is often seen as the root of suffering, while unconditional love is free from expectations and conditions. Similarly, in Christian teachings, love is described as patient and kind, never self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we shift our understanding of love from possession to appreciation, we begin to see beauty in fleeting moments, in the uniqueness of individuals, and in the natural flow of life. Love becomes an act of gratitude rather than a desire for control.
Applying this wisdom to our daily lives can transform our relationships and the way we interact with the world. Instead of trying to hold on too tightly to people, experiences, or even material things, we can learn to embrace them with an open heart. Love becomes more profound when we allow it to exist in its purest form—without demands, without conditions, just a deep and abiding sense of appreciation. When we love without grasping, we cultivate peace, joy, and a deeper connection to the divine essence of life itself.
This message is courtesy of Sunday Blessings; heard weekly on Sundays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Classy 97, Classy 97 Lite, and Sunny 97. For inspirational music and messages of hope 24/7, we invite you to tune you HD radio to 97.3 HD3 and download the Sunny 97 app in your app store to take it everywhere you go. Just search ‘Sunny Idaho’ and install the free app to listen today!