Getting Older, a Lesson in Grace

The other day this phrase came to me: Getting Older, a Lesson in Grace. It would not go away. I have been thinking about and wondering what that might mean. Why was the thought omnipresent? Thoughts about getting older came to mind, but I kept wondering what they had to do with grace.

What is grace exactly? I searched the dictionary for meanings. The most simple meaning referred to a manner of moving which is not stiff or awkward, as well as, a controlled, polite and pleasant way of behaving in public. The second most common meaning referred to religion and the third, in the plural, graces: skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations.

I remember having a conversation with my 88 year old mother one day as I drove her home from an appointment. She related that getting older was difficult because inside she did not feel older as her physical self became less strong. She said she still felt young inside. I totally believed her because at 88 she seemed young and energetic even as her body weakened. Now that I, by the numbers, would be considered older, I know exactly what she meant. I do not feel older and am shocked when I see older me in the mirror. Denial is alive and well, as in most ways I feel younger, if anything. The other odd, even silly perhaps, thought I often have is that I wonder if I should be behaving differently. I stop, exhale, and ask myself that question fairly frequently.  I tend to relate mostly to the many younger people with whom I spend time. One aspect of getting older for me is coming to grips with the idea and even believing that I may be accomplished in my profession. I continually feel as if I am the  beginner. In some ways, of course, we all are beginners and hopefully we are in learning and explorer mode every day. But, I think there also has to be a point when one understands and believes there is a gift to becoming older and accept that with grace. Hopefully, with that understanding comes wisdom as well. One can hope! (I chuckle as I type.)

How does the lesson in grace come in? It is a no-brainer that there is a lesson in accepting, with grace and  ease getting older, in all ways, mental, physical, and emotional. I think that acceptance and awareness have a big part in that lesson. The practice of F.M. Alexander’s principles of awareness, inhibition (stopping), and direction (making a choice based on that awareness enabled by the pause), along with conscious breathing continue to be wonderful tools in the journey of day to day living. I am thankful for their contribution towards how gracefully I am able to move forward, one hour, one day at a time. Yes, getting older!