Grace

I like the word “Grace.”

I’ve been working on a definition of what it means to me. Here’s my current definition: Accepting the difficulties and challenges that life brings with a peaceful flow of awareness that encourages thoughtful and kind actions. 

It’s a feeling and a need for me.

Lately, with the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that aging brings to my life (and to that of many of my friends and family), I’ve been thinking more about grace. I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to have experienced good health in my life, as have many of those around me. And now as the realities of aging become more consistent and noticeable, I am thinking of how to navigate these changes with grace.

I feel sadness—and grief—when I acknowledge these changes. There are losses. And I notice that if I act out my frustrations about these losses with cranky words and actions, I feel worse.

If I can acknowledge them with sadness and acceptance, I become part of a bigger world, a world that holds the whole cycle of life. I get a sense of belonging and gratitude—and sometimes even humor—for being part of the human condition.

During my many years of learning and practicing Compassionate (Nonviolent) Communication, I’ve seen and experienced the magic of acknowledging feelings and needs. Sometimes there are requests or actions we can take to meet the unmet needs. In the case of aging and its effects, the action is a request of myself: Breathe - acknowledge - breathe - feel - connect with belonging - connect with the circle of life. Choose to live with grace.

~ Bryn