The third in our series of the 7 supporting attitudes for ascension -grace-, speaks of a master who no longer opposes life, but is in full cooperation with it. So much so that you can no longer distinguish between the two.
The Attitude of Grace
As the surfer becomes the wave and the skier becomes the mountain, as a dancer becomes the drum, so the master becomes one with the currents and flow of the river of life. Flowing fluidly around the rocks in the river, cooperating with the whirls and eddies along the way, the master becomes a skillful epitome of ultimate grace.
The attitude of living with grace is a composite of various factors that blend into one admirable quality, inspiring to observe and imperative to cultivate, for higher consciousness awaits the one who does. But higher consciousness always goes hand in hand with increased energy; therefore grace must in some way yield more energy.
Living life with grace conserves energy, for the sensitive cooperation with life does not allow for frivolous squandering of energy through fighting battles that aren’t ours or through attempting to control either outcomes or others. Energy further is conserved by mastering the element of timing, one of the factors that create a life of grace.
There is a moment to act and a moment to cease. There is a moment to advance and another to retreat. In order for us to give each moment its proper due, we have to be in a state of stillness to hear the promptings of the voice of God. We also have to be in a state of heightened awareness to watch for the indicating signs in our environment.
The other key component of grace is fluidity. The fluid being does not bring the last moment into the present. Though the last may have been a catastrophe, life spins on a dime and if we enter the next moment without expectation, the ability to salvage the day may yet present itself. The past becomes a ball and chain if we drag it into the future:
“The moving finger writes:
And having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety
Nor wit shall lure it back to cancel
Half a line, Nor all thy tears wash out
A word of it.”
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (Persian poet, 11th century)
The fluid grace we bring to our lives has no hint of rigid resistance. Grace is not ashamed to cry nor afraid to grieve, for having opened up to the torrential outpouring of life moving through us we weep when it weeps and dance when it dances. We have entered the impersonal life of mastery.
The final component of grace is excellence–that gilding of the fruits of our labor as they are offered up to the glory of God. My life is dedicated to excellence. My soul withers in the face of mediocrity. I want to think only the loftiest thoughts possible and dream only dreams of unsurpassed beauty. I want to celebrate the ordinary moments of each day and leave blessings with each footprint. I want to walk a path of grace upon the earth.
You can read the second supporting attitude for ascension -failing successfully- here.
Niels,
Here is another perspective on grace. I hope you will find it relevant to your discussion.
Grace. Divine grace is spiritual assistance not specifically earned by its recipient. Most mystics believe that divine grace is offered at all times, in all places and to all beings, but the sentiments, thoughts and actions of the ego self, and individual isolation, block its entry. Everyone has received divine grace during selfless periods of their life. Mystics who gave up their ego and individuality were in a state of grace and may share it. Most mystics say that grace is essential to realize oneness; some seem to equate divine grace, love and spirit.
“God’s grace is the beginning, middle and the end. When you pray for God’s grace, you are like someone standing neck deep in water and yet crying for water.” Ramana Maharishi H
“God continually showers the fullness of his grace on every being in the universe, but we consent to receive it to a greater or lesser extent.” Simone Weil J/C
“The deified person, while remaining completely human in nature…becomes wholly in God in both body and soul, through grace and the divine brightness of the beatifying glory that permeates the whole person.” Maximus the Confessor C
“May I be far removed from contending creeds and dogmas. Ever since my Lord’s grace entered my mind, My mind has never strayed to seek such distractions.” Milarepa B
“One cannot see God without His grace. …to receive the grace of God one must renounce egotism; one cannot see God as long as one feels “I am the doer.” Ramakrishna H
“Give up to grace. The ocean takes care of each wave ’til it gets to shore. You need more help than you know.” Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi I
“One who merits will find himself constantly aware of Hashem’s [YHWH] blessings in his life, and will rejoice in the opportunity to spend another day on earth enjoying Hashem’s grace and kindness.” Ba’al Shem Tov J
True mystics made sacrifices and efforts with the dedication of others who have succeeded in life despite overwhelming odds. The “gift of grace” must be accepted; it is not automatic. You have to prepare yourself to realize it, then allow it to transform your being to live in the divine. It is not a professional certificate or a university degree, it must be actuated daily. It is a quite unique mode of living beyond most normal perceptions, expanding everyday experiencing, unlimited in scope and substance. It is seeing what is here and now.
(Quoted from “the greatest achievement of life,” my ebook on comparative mysticism)