Let me explain.
The first meaning of 'Appreciation' is perhaps the most common definition of the word. 'Being grateful for' 'Thankful for something' even just 'Saying Thank-you.' We all get good feelings at a benefit received, small or large. It extends, this particular meaning of 'Appreciation.' Silent gladness at the existence of others, loved ones, family, friends, a smiling bus driver. Think of what else we 'Appreciate.' The sun, rain, breeze, colour, a book, dinner, life itself. If you work at it a bit you can find something to appreciate all the time. Fortunately 'Appreciation.' can include conventional religion if you wish. For myself I appreciate that the Universe, The Creation, The World, and the Ant are beyond any explanation but a God made Divine Mystery. It was done fortunately, or we couldn't live anywhere, and I appreciate it all very much.
The second meaning of 'Appreciate.' is 'Increase in value or worth', 'Gets better.' That's a good creed. That life gets better. Friendships get stronger, love deepens, health and happiness are valued more. Through life the 'Appreciation' religion can keep increasing the value and enjoyment of life, and that can't be bad. It's like money in the bank, gaining interest all the time. Meaning two comes automatically from meaning one. If we are in the habit of appreciating good things which happen, overall, our life 'Appreciates.', like our savings, if we've got any.
The third meaning of 'Appreciation.' is just as important as the other two. It is to 'Appreciate other points of view.' 'Understand and allow for opinions different from your own.' I am not always automatically right, perhaps you are not either. With 'Appreciation.' we are ready to see other sides of things we disagree with. It is very important in this creed to let in this tolerance and understanding and 'Appreciate.' differences. You may then go back to definition one and be glad we are not all the same.
Powerful word. 'Appreciation.'
Peter
