by:  Marissa C. Knox

Uncertainty and impermanence are two of the deepest, most fundamental truths of being human. If we know nothing else, we know intimately the experience of change and of not knowing what is to come.

Change can bring loss and destruction, and it can also bring creativity and growth. And if we are honest with ourselves, we do not know exactly what change may bring. There is a sense of mystery to each day and to each moment when we recognize the presence of possibility that is inherent in our human experience.

It is an act of profound kindness and generosity to remember that who we are is changing and changeable, that our lives are not set in stone, that our minds and hearts can open and transform. 

Remembering the truth of possibility may be one of the most powerful ways we can give ourselves grace. 

Giving myself grace has become a way of life that has buoyed me through seasons of doubt, scarcity, grief, anxiety, and all of my pained responses to impermanence and uncertainty. I created g.r.a.c.e. as an acronym that brings together a collection of practices, which function like breadcrumbs to lead me back to myself and help me remember possibility. 

When I feel lost, g.r.a.c.e. brings me home and allows me to rest in the refuge of what is still possible. 

“We can feel the pulse of potential
in the rhythm of our heartbeats.

And in the infinity of our breath
rests boundless possibilities.

To touch the grace of possibility,
all we need is all that we are.

There is a kaleidoscopic offering of possibility
when we show up to this moment,
any moment, every moment,
with our awareness,
aliveness, 
and presence.

We can pay attention to the space of choice
that emerges
between breaths
between thoughts
and between sensations. 

It appears in ephemeral yet recurring glimmers,
like the sparkle of sunshine skipping across water.

In these glimpses, we can open ourselves
to the expanse of what may be.

Rest here – at the beginning of possibility.

This space invites us to meet the unknown.

Just as the rainbow of fallen autumn leaves
calls us to trust in the unseen abundance
of a spring promise.” 

(Knox, 2020)

On retreat together we will remember that possibility is here with us and within us, everywhere we go, no matter what is going on. We will contemplate poetry, journal, meditate, and move mindfully together to embody the possibilities of our whole self.

You can learn more about the practice of g.r.a.c.e. by reading Giving ourselves grace, Part 1 of this blog post series

To prepare for retreat together, you can begin reading and practicing g.r.a.c.e now by purchasing the companion book: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781736242209

About the Author:

Marissa C. Knox, PhD is a trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, researcher, and writer focused on supporting others to cultivate resilience, live with integrity, and embody compassionate wisdom. She is the author of g.r.a.c.e. and possibility, a book of poetry, contemplations, and self-reflective writing practices. In Marissa’s teaching and writing, she invites you to nurture a deeper connection to your wholeness, nature, and the miracle, mystery, and magic available in every moment.

References:

Knox, Marissa C., 2020. g.r.a.c.e. & possibility: a practice for remembering, nourishing, and resting in what is most important. 

Photo Credit:  Marissa Knox