My elderly mother Elizabeth lives at an extended care facility. I am so lucky that she is close and I can spend a lot of time with her. She has made some lovely friends at the manor and I have had the pleasure of getting to know them over the past year.
One lady in particular is Pauline. She shares some similar life experiences with my mother, including enduring the Second World War as a child living in England. My mother met Pauline on her first day in the manor and they have been fast friends ever since. We were talking about what a blessing it has been for my mother to know Pauline and we agreed that the best word to describe her is gracious. This got me thinking about my interpretation of grace and I thought it would be nice to write this piece and dedicate it to Pauline.
Grace is an elegant and reflective concept that is associated with mercy, kindness, gentleness, patience, understanding, acceptance, awareness, virtuosity, elegance, compassion, forgiveness and benevolence, to name just a few.
None of us escape experiences in our lives where we are exposed to negativity and hostility from others, feeling unjustly attacked, bullied or criticized. This is part of the human dynamic and the competitive, combative nature of mankind.
In the face of adversity or conflict, embodying grace requires introspection and the decision not to take things personally. One must go within to find quiet resilience, empathy and compassion rather than resorting to instinctive negative retaliation and combat. Grace is the merciful, quiet strength that offers a second chance even when condemnation seems justified. It is a silent acceptance of ‘what is’ without adding the suffering of resistance and conflict. Having grace does not mean one is a victim, a push-over, or allows oneself to endure abuse, but rather a mindful understanding of how to stay centred and calm, and in an energy of peace.
In Christian terms, when Jesus talked about ‘turning the other cheek’ rather than justifying ‘an eye for an eye,’ he was encouraging a choice for grace over vengeance and retaliation. Grace is the bridge between imperfection and redemption, an echo of divine mercy – an assurance that even amidst our faults, failures and unconscious behaviours, we are immensely and unconditionally loved. It encompasses a luminescent light of divine understanding, a celestial gift and silent love letter to humanity regardless of our deeds, or our perceived worthiness. It offers a salvation that is neither earned nor bartered for, but gently bestowed upon us.
The energy of grace weaves through the tapestry of our existence with gentle, caressing threads. It’s a soft whisper, a delicate embrace amidst life's storms, reminding us that amid all our stumbling and suffering, there exists a loving, kindness that holds the power to uplift and transform. Grace is considered a divine quality of salvation that quietly permeates the soul with deep tenderness and unconditional Love. The song Amazing Grace was written by the slave trader John Newton after he nearly died in a shipwreck. He found divine grace and eventually became a minister who spoke out against the slave trade.
I interpret grace as being synonymous with the capacity for unconditional love. For one to fully understand the concept of grace, one must understand and have a constructive relationship with their own egoic minds. But understanding and making friends with our ego is another article.
After reading this draft to Pauline, as I wanted her permission to publish her name, she told me that this was very meaningful because her newest great grandchild’s name is Grace. I felt honoured to facilitate such a lovely connection between the two. Thank you, Pauline, for being an example of grace and for being such a lovely friend to my mother. I hope your family also appreciates this beautiful quality in you.
Claire Nielsen is a health coach, author, public speaker and founder of www.elixirforlife.ca. The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional health and medical advice. Please consult a doctor, health-care provider or mental health practitioner if you're seeking medical advice, diagnoses and/or treatment
