Grace - The power of a concept

Grace is a name I have been called many times. And yes, normally it was due in large part to my astonishing lack there of. And boy did I earn it. And while it was always used in sarcastic, good natured humor my perception of Grace has changed. Recently, it has appeared frequently in my news feeds and communications. Maybe it was the holidays, but due to the volume of exposure I figured it was a message of which to take notice. Doing so brought what previously was an innocuous word to the forefront of my awareness.  

When I took a moment to consider “Grace”, to actually look up the definitions in the dictionary (online, not a real paperbound one; though that would have probably demonstrated more “Grace”) I found it to be a desirable quality. An ability, an affectation, maybe a character description, but one I wanted to earn in the honest, whole, true sense of the word. Grace became a quality I wanted to learn and fold into the personal story of who I am.

Upon reflection its a rather etherial quality, a bit hard to pin down. Attributes, if I am honest, I rarely recognize. It’s presence unidentified, until staring me in the face. Often it became obvious to me only when I found, no other appropriate designation or way of expressing the nearly indefinable, beautiful, peaceful, strengthening qualities that make “Grace” so important. I was forced by my nature to take a practical approach and look at "contrast" or "the absence" of it in order to better identify it. I found myself reflecting on the parts of my character that would be improved by working my perception of Grace into my repertoire.

I tend to be inquisitive, highly curious. If I was to forgo a few questions while in conversation and replace that behavior with completely open minded listening, what might I learn from this shift? Even more important what might I need to construct within myself in order to take that step. Clearly, I see a need to strengthen my ability to quiet the mind and approach conversation as if I am walking into an empty room, one devoid of even the barest hint of color. Then to allow that conversation to metaphorically paint its space in my mind freely and without expectation or anticipation or bias. How liberating, how refreshing to be freed of the shackles of judgement.

Or perhaps I could demonstrate more grace in my actions. I could move with quiet purpose and less hurry. I could replace anxiety with serenity, expectation with knowing. Perhaps I could give of myself more quietly and with more altruistic intent. Releasing the need to please others, or live up to an internal story or dialogue that is arbitrary and distracting. Could I hone my focus and honor the quiet, rather than nurture noise and activity? Would I then be closer to this state of Grace? 

Personally, I am not so big on New Years resolutions, I agree with my son who declared vehemently last week that if you want to make a change, just make it. If its real, it won’t be tied to one day of the year.  Still, there is something comforting to me about approaching a defined segment of time with a learning objective. I have witnessed many people at the end of this year, a year they defined as tumultuous, proclaiming that we must be the change we want to see in the world. I agree. So for me I believe I will begin with Grace, because I personally would appreciate a little more Grace in todays world.

#change #Grace