it would be an understatement to say that i was fascinated by the jellyfish at the aquarium in Monterey. these strange and unique creatures evoke awe, amazement and a sense of tranquility, bordering on a trance state.
standing in the jelly gallery and watching this "other worldly" show, i was truly transported and could see others around me reacting in a similar way. the wonder of it had the same calming effect as meditation.
as i watched this 360 degree display of living art, the thought that crept into my mind was "grace". i was surrounded by grace. nature's true grace.
the dictionary defines grace as "beauty or harmony of motion, form or manner" and "divine influence". what could be a more perfect explanation of these creatures.
at my mother's memorial service, a friend of hers remarked to me that "your mother was a gracious lady in the truest sense of the word". I'll always remember and be so very grateful for those words, but it rekindled an old question that i'd puzzled over before. the idea of "grace" has always intrigued me...but what does it really mean? how does one live in "a state of grace" and become a "gracious person"? my musings on this have led me here:
grace is about knowing who we truly are and not needing to pretend to anyone that we're anything different from that...being as transparent as these jellyfish...
it's about knowing our full value and owning it...
it's about compassion and kindness...to ourselves as well as to others...
it's about trusting ourselves and an infinite universe (whatever that means to each person) that there is a purpose to our lives ...
it's about being at peace, in harmony, with ourselves.
William Hazlitt defines grace as "the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul". it's a difficult word to define...maybe even indefinable in all it's nuances...but i like his words.
if you ever find yourself in Monterey, take the time to visit the aquarium. it's amazing and well worth it....especially the jelly gallery!
note: if you click on the link above to the Monterey aquarium it takes you directly to a very short video of the movement of the blue jelly but click on the link below that for "more rhythm and movement video" and it will link you into another short video of the "sea nettle" jelly. these are the jelly's that are in the photo's above. enjoy!
Kate, What a wonderful post and thoughts. I HAVE had the opportunity to be mesmerized by these creatures at the Monterey aquarium. It is something that just stays with you. I also LOVE the Chihule glass there. I saw an entire museum of his work last year in Colo Springs....has the same effect on you.
xxo
s
Posted by: Stephanie | 03/20/2007 at 10:45 AM
Kate, I am always moved by what I read and see here. Thank you!
Posted by: Ruth | 03/21/2007 at 07:14 AM
wow ~ i love your musings on grace, so wonderful how you relate it to the jellyfish ~ and how amazing it must have been to see them from 360 degree views. beautiful!
Posted by: daisies | 03/21/2007 at 09:36 PM
Kate, reading your blog, I have found you to always be a gracious person, taking after your mother perhaps? The jellyfish are wonderful!
Posted by: Patti | 03/23/2007 at 02:21 AM