The power of appreciation

A garden has many plants and trees with different flowers and fruits. Can you imagine a garden with only one plant, one flower? Similarly, this world is like a garden with a variety of flowers. Each flower is unique and special in its own way. Comparing or judging a rose with a lily or jasmine with a lotus is a lack of understanding the beauty of uniqueness.

We seem to have forgotten to see the beauty and uniqueness of diversity. Many are looking for a duplicate copy of themselves, what they think, what they wear and even what they eat. And in search of that, they start judging people and see their differences as weaknesses or flaws. Accepting differences develops respect for everyone who is different from you, with acceptance comes appreciation. It is a very powerful tool. It does wonders to people’s motivation and efficiency. When parents appreciate the small efforts made by the child, it encourages his spirit and brings confidence in his being. When a supervisor appreciates the hard work of workers, it boosts their energy to give their whole and do even better. Do you take out time to appreciate people around you?

The mechanism is that when we see and appreciate goodness, we give our energy to the goodness and it increases. When we do the opposite, talk about flaws even with intention of improving them, our energy still flows towards their weakness and hence flaws grow even more.

ENERGY TO GOODNESS

If we understand the mechanism, we would always give our energy to goodness and contribute to the growth of strengths in others. The same applies to the self. The more you see your weaknesses, the more they grow and become firm. If you want qualities to grow, see them, appreciate and nurture them. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but what we focus on and talk about is where we are sending our energy.

Appreciation is not praising or flattering. Appreciation is a genuine recognition of goodness in others you respect and admire. Appreciation empowers the being and motivates them to be the better version of themselves. It is essential to realise that improvement can’t be brought by criticizing or underlining the flaws no matter how good intention you hold. There exists no “healthy criticism” just as there can’t be a healthy disease. Criticism is a negative energy and any negative energy can’t bring a positive result.

Let’s accept and appreciate each one around us and empower them to be who they really are, the beautiful unique flowers in the garden of God. Don’t wait for an occasion to appreciate. Take out a few seconds, appreciate someone and see what difference it makes in their day – start with yourself first.

- Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Center, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Email: kingston@jm.brahmakumaris.org. Or follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica