S3NSE: Grace

“Grace is the glue that holds us together”

~Jill Lynn Buteyn

When the world is falling apart, how do you keep yourself together?  Could it be finding your inner grace?  One of grace’s definitions is:  the disposition to, an act or an instance of kindness, courtesy or clemency.  We are not seeing or feeling much of that today.  How do we cultivate our inner grace?  How will that affect the world around us?

Feelings are the means to discover inner grace.  What does grace feel like to you?  Think about it and write down your answer.  Your sensory perception of grace will define the feeling of it.  If you are not sure how to answer, think of grace feeling like a warm peaceful embrace or a weight being lifted off your shoulders.

Once you define the feeling of grace, how will you realize it?  Feldenkrais®  Awareness Through Movement® (spoken group movement) classes, and/or Functional Integration® (one on one hands on) lessons are great ways to explore and discover grace in movement.  Take a group class or a private session and notice how you feel afterwards.  Do you feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted?  Or the peace and warmth of a nice hug?  How does the after class experience fit with your definition of feeling grace?  

How do you take this feeling out into the world?  After a class or lesson, it is good to walk (outside if possible).   Are you breathing comfortably?  If not, how could you?  What is the speed of walking that takes the least amount of effort and feels the most comfortable?  Does your walking feel easier and lighter?  Do you feel graceful?  

Then take the feeling of grace into your next activity.  Notice if graceful movements create the feeling of grace.  Does this feeling change your behavior?  Are you able to slow down and enjoy the moment?  Do you interact with others with more kindness or courtesy? 

Of course, nothing lasts forever and the feeling of grace will dissipate.  But you may rediscover this feeling with a regular Feldenkrais practice.  In time, you will be able to quickly create the feeling of grace by being aware of how you are moving at the time.  With S3NSE, you can move into a better world (www.s3nse.org).