Appreciation is the state of respect, even awe, inspired by beauty, excellence or skill perceived in one’s surroundings. I cultivate appreciation by admiring and valuing all that I encounter. The opposite is unawareness.§
Comparing the actions of one who is appreciative to one who is unaware§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Appreciation§ |
Unawareness§ |
While driving through a park filled with exotic plants, you…§ |
immediately take notice and are struck by their wondrousness.§ |
take no interest and see nothing out of the ordinary.§ |
Walking outside on a night with a clear, star-filled sky, you…§ |
appreciate the constellations and reflect on the vastness of the universe.§ |
focus on texting your friend, oblivious to the stellar display above you.§ |
When reading an 18th-century masterpiece for a book report, you…§ |
revel in the author’s brilliant portrayal of the era’s people and events.§ |
rush through the book, not noticing the exceptional writing.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Appreciation is a beautiful, soulful quality available to everyone in every circumstance—being thankful for life’s little treasures, grateful for the opportunity to begin the day where you are, appreciating the perfect place your karma and God’s grace have brought you to. Appreciation is life-giving.”§
“Loving appreciation is a life-changing force just waiting to be used. Express appreciation to community leaders, business associates, spiritual mentors, family members and friends as often as you can. Loving appreciation is a magic formula that works both ways. When we commend another, we are automatically uplifted.”§
ASSIGNMENT: When outside the home in the two weeks ahead, be observant of the details of your surroundings. When you encounter something exceptional, focus on it and appreciate its uniqueness.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF APPRECIATION: 
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