The Art of Appreciation

Appreciation is an inner and intrinsic feeling that is triggered when we feel that something have gained at the precedent of an external presence or effort of some sort. Moreover, appreciation is also a way of thinking that is vastly influenced by other thoughts and a diversity in perspectives when looking at things. Appreciation is a form of art in which both nature and nurture play a huge role at helping us developing its mastery. Learning how to be appreciative is one of the arts in life that can be beneficial to you for the entire lifespan.

Aside from the fact that there are infinite ways for us to express the appreciations that we feel within, there’s also no set right or wrong answers at the subjects that we have to convey the feeling at. However, there are several ways that you can learn how to show appreciations that can help you:

1. Show appreciations to yourself

Just like the saying that you have to learn how to take care of yourself before you can take care of others, the same goes for expressing appreciations. The first subject that you must show the deepest and strongest appreciation you feel is none other than yourself. You as a person, your identity, individuality, characteristics, knowledge, experiences, skills, values and beliefs are the collections of gifts from nature itself as well as the nurturing from other people, and yourself. To appreciate yourself is to learn more about you, to have a better look at your strengths and weaknesses, to expand your potentials and to assert the capacity to show appreciations to others.

2. Show appreciations to the people around you

Many say life is like a tiny boat floating on the ocean, crossing endless lives, entities and events throughout its entire lifespan, sometimes on calm waters and others through treacherous waves. However, it will eventually reach its destined place. The boat could not get to where it needs to go if it’s not for the iterations of wind that push it forward, be it gentle breaths or harsh typhoons. It could not get to where it needs to be if it’s not for the ocean’s water to provide it the necessary traction to move forward and the waves that carries it toward the same directions. The way you are right now is not only the contemplated result of nature but also the infinite nurtures that you get from the ones in your life who care and love about you. They are the ones that deserve the most sincerely appreciations from yourself.

3. Show appreciations to nature

Mother nature is the foundation of all lives. She expresses her love for us through the scenic and majestic beauties within the world in which we live in. Take a moment of your time to stare and focus on the nearest growing trees, blossoming flowers, and the vibrant flora and fauna that surround us all. Through that you will gradually come to the understanding of why is it that we have to show appreciations, and how that will help us grow.