Grace
If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.
(Mark Twain)
Grace
'Grace' is not a word we hear very often in modern society. It has fallen
from popular usage.
The word has a variety of meanings and connotations:
elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action
a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment
favour or good will
mercy; clemency; pardon (an act of grace)
an allowance of time (grace period)
the love of God
moral strength
to favour or honour (grace an occasion)
willingly; ungrudgingly (good grace)
to be so kind as to
Being
Grace refers to a particular quality of being. A way of presenting
oneself. A certain sort of presence.
It is uniquely quiet, simple and subtle.
There is nothing showy, loud or vulgar about grace.
Grace is elegant, understated. There is a softness to grace. An inner silence of
being.
It cannot be easily replicated. Or defined.
There is nothing clumsy, random or awkward about grace. It seems effortless.
Conduct
Grace also refers to a particular manner of conduct.
It is to be found in compassion, in consideration, in a gentle way of handling
things.
There is no conflict or hostility. No anger or rash action.
Grace is smooth and easy. Soft and relaxed.
It allows things to come and go naturally, to find their own way. To be
themselves.
Instead of opposing, it finds space, it flows around, it accommodates.
Tai chi
It is not enough to do tai chi, you must also do it easily and
comfortably.
Grace can be seen in the natural, uncomplicated movements of a skilled
practitioner.
There is a smoothness, a subtlety in every gesture. Enfolded within the art are
layers of sophistication.
Real grace appears impossibly simple and elegant. Inconsequential. Unremarkable.
It is so innocuous that your mind slides over it. There is nothing overt to
cling to.
Martial arts
Most martial arts can be utilised in self defence by a skilled
practitioner.
What makes tai chi different is this quality of grace.
Tai chi is not sweating, grunting, aggressive combat. It is zen-like in its
austerity and aloof in its application.
The aim is to avoid a prolonged 'fight' and deal with assault calmly and
expediently.
Harm is not inflicted casually or willingly.
To the untrained eye, tai chi self defence is quite boring to watch and too
casual to look effective.
The assailant is apt to tell a different story. The effect is unequivocal.
Page created 5 August 1999