How To Cultivate A Lasting State Of Grace
When the daily tasks of life consume us, we miss the call to something beautiful, eventful, and nurturing—grace.
Grace is always calling us to action, but we're so engrossed in the stuff that "needs doing" that we ignore her invitation.
Grace is invisible, but not silent. Her call is omnipresent, even persistent. We know this because we're often wishing for moments of grace.
When we step back and accept such precious moments, we're rewarded with something big like peace of mind. Suddenly, we feel free, nurtured, and at home in a sort of blessed spiritual purity. Gone is any feeling of stress. Judgment falls by the wayside. And, the usual, long-standing hostilities dissipate.
We just feel loved.
So how can we experience a state of grace more frequently?
First, understand the power of grace. She speaks clearly to penetrate your mind—if you allow it. This will require you to carve out some time to sit in silence and cultivate your listening skills. She may reveal herself through simple words, or you may only feel her warm presence initially.
Second, allow her to haunt you. Literally. Invite her into the most intimate parts of your life, especially any area of life that causes you trouble. Let it be okay for her to know your thoughts so she can offer you wisdom.
Third, start dialoging with her as if she were a guardian angel. Ask for the help you need, and then listen for any thoughts, ideas, or words that follow. You may be very surprised.
Fourth, ask her to bless you. This doesn't mean you get exactly what you want, but expect your life to feel more purposeful as a result of the blessings that grace sends your way. If you are open to them, your life will improve in unexpected ways over time. You may even live longer.
Fifth, ask her to cheer you up. If you follow through on this, you may have to give up some habits that pull you down. This might include potential addictions to doomscrolling, squabbling, criticizing, or gossiping about others.
Sixth, ask her to show you the miraculous, ongoing orchestration of goodness in your life, despite the challenges you are experiencing.
Seventh, take the plunge by asking her to give you weekly assignments to help you achieve a lasting state of grace. If you follow through with the assignments, I promise your life will begin to change in ways you cannot imagine.
Love changes us all.
Well Street
I like how the steps you've laid out for us are of a methodical and systematic "ramping up" nature; baby steps, if you will.
This reminds me of work that I do with clients. The appeal of a particular goal, be it to lose weight or achieve a lasting state of grace, can create high motivation in the initial stages with a desire to "do all the things." Once on the path, however, a perceived roadblock or slip-up can lead to feeling deflated and like a screw-up, and the goal is abandoned. Moving at a measured pace can build appreciation for the process of moving closer to grace without self-scrutiny and perfectionistic tendencies.
Your plan conveys a welcome "move at your own pace" approach. For many, sitting quietly will be a new endeavor in practicing to hear grace through the mind's noise. Others may find it a more natural process.
I especially appreciate the sixth step. With our brains wired as they were when our ancestors lived in caves, looking for negativity and threats is our default setting. Step six can bring our awareness to what is going well and inspire us to expect goodness.
Thank you for sharing.
Homeless Valley
You make it sound easy, but I know it's not. I will try to follow each step and make it a practice. Lord knows I need some grace! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.