Dear One,
In intending to share what aided my rising from falling such that it serves you in turning tricky times into triumphs – or less painful and/or even potentially increasing peace, wisdom, or other virtues, I offer you ‘Grace.’
In simplest terms per Merriam-Webster, Grace is “…Divine assistance…” As Paul Selig further explains, “Grace is the support of the Divine in your endeavors.”
If an urge to stop here cropped up or a wee voice is saying ‘hogwash,’ consider bearing with me. If that’s the page you are on, it’s ok. I hear you; I’ve been there.
As much as human help has been an enormously appreciated gift, a few years ago my healthy, happy, thriving goal was far, far away.
Low on options, I switched tactics. I’d tried much that hadn’t ended in my desired outcome hence I figured Grace was worth a shot.
At first, I experimented with dipping my toes in Mysterious waters. With no idea if, how, or when Grace would appear.
I chose not to ask other humans about what to do, think, or say to access Grace.
Having heard myriad ways to discover Grace, I followed my Gut Knowing combined with reading sage authors.
To “make it easy” per James Clear in Atomic Habits, 2 minutes of Grace practice at a time made it feel doable to “master the habit of showing up” for prayer/meditation time.
Without sophisticated methods, I’d call on Grace:
• As I walked out my front door and down the sidewalk. Achievable. Or,
• Stood in the laundry room, folding away. 2 birds, 1 stone. Or,
• Slipped away to sacred spaces. More time, more fruit. Or,
• Sat alone in a spare room. Low effort that worked. Or,
• Rested in bed. Simple.
And, I’d. Let. It. Fly.
Weeping, imploring, explaining, asking, praying, offering, meditating, sharing, and truth telling. Perhaps with a moment or 2 of, uhhhh, strong language underlining my frustration.
Gradually, Incrementally, I poured myself out to the Divine.
At times, I felt irritated because it seemed like I was slogging; other days, I hurried to the Silence to connect with Grace because of accumulating internal and external benefits.
Slowly, sweet Grace slipped in unexpectedly, nestling alongside before I became fully aware of the Stillness, Peace, and Wisdom.
As Grace snippets grew more noticeable, it encouraged me to continue practicing. I kept showing up. Imperfectly. For golden nuggets.
Over time, I sensed more support, increased discernment, new mercy, and additional Assistance.
Beginning my days this way and sprinkling it throughout them was beneficial. I kept it easy to remember and execute, especially when times felt dodgy, by using few-word-sayings sometimes in asking for Grace.
When I skipped or skip this quiet time, my calm suffered or suffers as does quality time with loved ones and/or work performance. Instead of really beating myself up, I begin again. To call on Grace.
Grace, for me, feels ebby and flowy with waxing and waning – although I gather this is my rather newbie experience as opposed to Truth. I’m a work in progress.
As Ryan Holiday writes in his Accept a Higher Power chapter in Stillness is the Key, “this seemingly simple step is hard… It’s about surrender. It’s about faith… [It’s] let[ting] go, at the deep, soul level.”
For this reforming perfectionist who, formerly, would like all to be explainable, Grace has become an awe-some (in the truest sense) mystery that involves “forces beyond [my] comprehension.”
Cultivating Grace has grown into my main go-to because of the Light and multiple improvements it’s brought to my life.
I now believe that wherever one is, whoever one is, whatever is happening, Grace is possible – and a gift – for all.
With endless Gratitude for Divine Grace – and you,
Judy
Original Email Date: February 19, 2021
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