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Moving with Grace

 


If I allow myself to move with grace, does that mean that I slow myself down?   Do I sacrifice strength?  If I feel filled with ease does it mean that I am not being effective?   Or efficient?

The dictionary states that grace is "simple elegance or refinement of movement."  

But what if I feel clumsy?  What if I AM clumsy?

I think that the secret to moving with grace has a great deal to do with our sense of ease.  Of course, dancers and athletes express grace in movement because they've practiced to build strength, capacity, flexibility, and muscle memory.   What about the rest of us?

When we move with ease we can begin to tap into grace.  We can start small.  Grace resides within each of us.

Sit comfortably and softly close your eyes.   Notice your breathing - the inhale, the exhale.   Notice the gentle rise and fall of the belly - the lift and release of the chest.  As thoughts arise, notice them and set them free. Think about moving your hand.   How does it wish to move?   As you move your hand, what do you feel?   Does the air feel cool or warm to your hand?  Does the hand feel heavy or light?   Does the movement of your hand inspire or invite you to move your body in other ways?  Give yourself permission to move in just the ways that your body wishes.  Take your time.

Sitting there, perhaps you're swaying. Smiling. Just pay attention to the feelings. Physical. Emotional.  

When you're ready, come back to stillness.  Notice how you're feeling.   Imagine yourself filled with grace.  Breathe.  Open your eyes.   

"Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul."  ~William Hazlitt

In my yoga practice, I've come to savor the experience of finding ease-filled movements within the flow.   Feeling as if I'm moving with grace.   Instead of "efforting" and straining, I allow my body to find where it wants to rest within each asana (pose).  I invite my body to enjoy the flowing movements that live in between.  I see no sacrifice...   my range of motion, my strength, and my stamina still flourish.   My mind quiets; my thoughts recede and become less demanding.  I feel strong and poised.

Moving with grace touches our state of mind.   We feel calmer.  Steadier.  More patient.  More understanding.  We can move through life with equanimity.  

"The winds of grace are always blowing.   All we need to do is raise our sails."  ~Anonymous

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Location: Wycombe, PA 18980, USA

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