"Everything Comes to Us That Belongs to Us – If We Create the Capacity to Receive It"
By Rabindranath Tagore
Have you ever wondered why some things in life feel just right—like they were meant for you? A friend who understands you without words, a job that fits your skills and passion or even a home that gives you a deep sense of comfort? At the same time, have you ever chased something relentlessly, only to realize it was never truly yours?
Rabindranath Tagore’s profound words, “Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it,” hold a timeless truth about belongingness—the deep human need to find where we truly fit. But this belonging is not just about external validation or being accepted by a group; it is about creating within ourselves the space to receive what is truly ours.
The Distinction Between Belongingness and Ownership
The Illusion of Ownership:
Ownership implies control. But how much control do we truly have over what we call “ours”?
- Our bodies change every moment, aging and deteriorating.
- Wealth accumulates and vanishes, often beyond our control.
- Even memories fade with time, lost to the limitations of the brain.
Ownership is often external—it refers to possession, control or rights over something. You can own a house, but it may never truly feel like home! You can own wealth, but it may not bring you fulfillment!
Belongingness, on the other hand, is deeply internal. The answer lies in consciousness and knowledge—the only things that transcend life and death. We must understand who we are.
- Consciousness (Chaitanya) is the awareness that emerges when the soul interacts with the material world through a body and mind.
- The Atman (soul) is like the Sun, a constant source of light.
- Consciousness is the sunlight, the energy radiated by the Sun that allows us to sense through the body and mind.
- When our soul is in a body, our consciousness is limited by the senses and mind. But in its purest form, consciousness is infinite.
The ultimate goal of life is to realize that our individual consciousness is a part of universal consciousness. It is about emotional and spiritual resonance—feeling at home, feeling connected and recognizing when something or someone aligns with our true self. It is not about having power over something but rather being in harmony with it.
While ownership can be acquired through effort and transaction, belongingness requires inner readiness—a transformation of the self to receive what is naturally aligned with it.
The Inner Preparation for Belonging
Belonging is not just about being in the right place—it’s about being ready for it. Many of us feel out of place not because the world has rejected us, but because we haven’t yet cultivated the capacity to belong. This capacity is shaped by:
Self-awareness: Understanding what truly resonates with us instead of chasing what others deem valuable.
Openness: Letting go of preconceived notions and being willing to grow into what belongs to us.
Resilience: Accepting temporary discomfort, knowing that true belonging takes time.
The Mind as a Container
A human mind is like a container—it has the capacity to hold energy states like peace, purity, happiness, love, bliss, knowledge and power. These are the original and natural qualities that define a genuine human character. However, if our minds are cluttered with negativity, doubt or distractions, we may not have the space to receive what truly belongs to us. Just as a vessel must be emptied of impurities to hold clean water, we must purify our inner world to allow meaningful experiences, relationships and opportunities to enter.
Mythological Insight: The Ocean and Capacity
Indian mythology offers a powerful example of how capacity matters more than mere quantity. It is narrated that a person suck up the entire ocean dry to prove a point. This does not mean that the individual is vast enough to hold the ocean but rather that, have cultivated the quality and intensity required to absorb it. This myth highlights that creating capacity is not about size but about depth and readiness.
In the same way, our ability to receive what belongs to us depends not on external circumstances but on our inner expansion. When we develop ourselves—emotionally, mentally and spiritually—we become ready to absorb what life has in store for us.
A Story of Finding Where You Belong
Consider a young woman from Kenya who moved to Japan for work. Initially, she felt lost—struggling with the language, the culture and the loneliness of being away from home. She questioned if she had made the right decision.
But instead of resisting, she started opening herself up—learning the language, understanding the culture and embracing the kindness of those around her. Over time, Japan no longer felt foreign; it became home. The country had not changed—she had. She created the capacity within herself to belong and as Tagore said, what was truly hers—friendships, opportunities and a sense of peace—found its way to her.
The Difference Between Seeking and Receiving - A perspective
In a natural state of being human, one should be the seeker. Seeker of truth and knowledge. In today’s world we have become more of a receiver and we often confuse chasing with belonging. We believe that if we work harder, push more or demand recognition, we will achieve happiness. But real belonging doesn’t come from force—it comes from alignment.
Think of a river. It doesn’t fight to reach the ocean; it flows naturally towards it. In the same way, when we align ourselves with what is truly meant for us, we don’t have to struggle endlessly. What belongs to us comes not through desperation, but through readiness.
Tagore’s Poem The Child – A Journey Toward True Belonging
Understanding of Tagore’s poem "The Child" beautifully illustrates the process of inner growth and preparation for receiving what is truly ours. The poem speaks of a mystical child, a divine presence who represents hope, faith and a new beginning. The child does not demand a place in the world—it arrives when the time is right, when the world is prepared to receive it. This aligns perfectly with Tagore’s idea that everything belonging to us comes only when we create the inner space and readiness to welcome it.
Just as in The Child, where the arrival of the mystical presence signals transformation and renewal, our own journey to belonging requires a similar transformation. We must cultivate faith, patience and inner preparedness so that when what is truly ours arrives, we are able to embrace it fully.
Creating Your Capacity to Receive - An outlook
Let Go of What’s Not Yours – Not every friendship, career or relationship is meant to be yours. The more you let go of what doesn’t fit, the more space you create for what truly does.
Trust the Timing – What’s meant for you may not come when you want it, but it will arrive when you are ready for it.
Work on Yourself – Instead of chasing external validation, build your inner world. The more you grow, the more the right people and opportunities will naturally gravitate towards you.
Stay Open – Sometimes, belonging is found in unexpected places. Keep your heart and mind open to new possibilities.
A Universal Truth
This message of belongingness transcends cultures and borders. Whether you’re an artist in Paris, a farmer in India or a student in New York, the principle remains the same: when you prepare yourself inwardly, the world will reflect that change outwardly.
So, the next time you feel lost or out of place, ask yourself: Have I created the capacity to receive what is truly mine? The answer might just change the way you see your journey.
Let’s reflect: Have you ever experienced a moment when something finally felt like it belonged to you? Share your story in the comments below!
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. The insights shared are based on philosophical interpretations, personal reflections, and literature from Rabindranath Tagore. While the concepts of belongingness and self-growth resonate across cultures, individual experiences may vary. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their personal journey and seek professional guidance where necessary.
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