Appreciation is the highest form of prayer. It acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.
We have all experienced the power of appreciation to inspire, restore, reassure and heal; of being lifted out of the depths of darkness and despair by the light of acknowledgement and appreciation as it illuminates a diminished spirit. When one is separated from a sense of their true amazing nature, appreciation can be a mighty antidote.
When we express gratitude and high regard, acknowledge something or someone’s intrinsic value, or convey how much we treasure, cherish and love, the healing presence is summoned forth.
In Handle with Prayer, author Alan Cohen states the inspired action of gratitude is the greatest power at our command. It opens our heart to all the incredible blessings around and within us.
This week I decided to express my gratitude and appreciate 5 new things every morning. I’ve noticed that this small action – that is completely in my control – has had the greatest impact on my life.
I’ve also noticed that I’veĀ become accustomed to communicating in expedient ways, via emails, texts, status updates and cryptic memos. I want to consider offering the gift of time in sending personal correspondence, making a phone call, arranging a visit, pausing to offer a kind word, a smile, a moment of deep listening, an acknowledgement of someone’s existence.
These were values I learnt at Maji Mazuri… to appreciate others, and look to the core to really see the other person – their intelligent, creative, brilliant, beautiful self.
In the hustle and bustle of life, I forget that when we give thanks, we have more to be thankful for. According to Linda Watson, quantum physics explains that paying attention to something increases the possibility that it will continue to occur.
What we appreciate, appreciates.
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