As I reflect on the qualities of Presence and how to bring our inner presence to every situation and in all facets of our life, I notice I am being drawn to the quality of grace.
True presence calls us into a level of stillness and spaciousness in which we can feel ourselves release, breathe and connect. Connect within and without and simultaneously stand in the very best of who we are.
This is where I sense grace comes in but it is not an easy quality to explore as Anne Lamott writes:
‘I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does
not leave us where it found us’.
To be able to move through life with grace conjures up not only an elegance of ‘movement’ in the physical sense. It goes beyond that to a quality that is dynamic, even fiery and yet doesn’t burn. On a superficial level it can seem like a form of gentleness and yet that belies its true power.
When we enter the mystery of grace, we enter the world of wonder and gratitude – both very powerful mindsets that cannot leave us untouched. Seeing through the generous spirit of wonder and gratitude invites new experience, new relationship with all and it seems, to me at least, opens the door to a deep joy.
Grace is often associated with something God-given and that may be true, yet it is a quality available to us all I believe. When we stumble in our handling of situations or struggle with our world. When we experience happy encounters. When we are called to lead or give support. Every situation offers us the chance to be present with grace.
To be open, to seek the new, curious with wonder, to be grateful for the experience no matter what it is. To offer ourselves as a channel for love so that we radiate our gracious presence no matter what.
Nature knows about grace – no matter what. A flower, an insect, an animal, they show up bringing the best they have and just being – full of their beauty no matter the outer state.
Perhaps part of the mystery of grace is that it is transforming – it helps us to transform our expectations of self and others and we, in turn, support transformation in others when we radiate grace. That feels like an important quality for leadership and life.