Natureza Divina

The Essence of Behaviour
In general people worry a lot about physical appearance and the way they present themselves to others. They spend a lot of time and energy into displaying a certain amount elegance. While, this is simply human nature, many people take this one step further and look for schools that teach manners and proper etiquette. However, with the small number of teachers in this field, an even smaller number of students and very few practitioners, perhaps 'The Elegance of Behaviour' is becoming more rare. It is a gift that goes beyond the use of the silverware and which is much more than a simple thank you for a kind gesture.

It is elegance that is with us the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, the elegance which manifests itself in day to day situations; and not necessarily when there is a party, a ceremony of some sort, or photographers close by. Rather, it is an elegance that is not forced or obligated. This type of elegance is detectable in people who compliment rather then criticise, who listen more then they speak, and when they do speak, they avoid saying negative things and spreading gossip.

Elegance is also detectable in one's tone of voice. In the act of avoiding awkward subject matter because they don't feel pleasure in humiliating others. It is an elegance which can be observed in punctual people, which respect other people's time as well as their own. Elegant is one who demonstrates interest for subject matter unknown. It is to finish what you promise to do.

Moreover, it is one who doesn't change one's style just to adapt to an other. It is very elegant to avoid speaking of money in casual conversations. It is elegant to return affection, solidarity and respect. One's Last name, position, the type of jewellery one wears does not substitute the elegance of a kind and friendly gesture. There aren't any books of etiquette that teach someone how to have a generous vision of the world and to live in it without arrogance. The essence of behaviour and comportment is not learned at University. You can try to capture this delicate nature through observation, but try to imitate it is, in the very least, simian. People with elegant behaviour speak in the same tone of voice with all individuals, indistinctly, they do not alter it for banal or futile motives.

To have elegant behaviour is to be gentle without using affection. It is to respect the divine nature of our body. It is to be a friend without connivance. To be sincere without being aggressive. To present your truth without altering a serene composure. To be polite and cordial without pretending. It is to be simple without sobriety. It is to have the capacity to forgive without ostentation. It is to overcome difficulties with faith and courage, it is to encourage brothers and sisters with the force of faith, of motivation and happiness in moments of weakness and debilitating circumstances.

It is to know how to disarm violence with calmness and reach victory without boastfulness and self-glorification. In the end, elegance of behaviour and comportment is a degree, which presents itself, it is not something that you HAVE, and it is something that you ARE.

Mestre Rogério Rigoni