Embracing Grace: Understanding

If you’ve been to my yoga classes, you’ve probably heard me say—usually during a tricky transition—“in any graceful manner.” It’s my gentle way of reminding everyone (myself included) that grace isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about showing up as we are, moving with intention, and—perhaps most importantly—keeping a sense of humor when we wobble, fumble, or find ourselves in a creative variation no one saw coming.

That little phrase almost always gets a laugh. There’s something liberating about being given permission to define our own version of grace in a given moment. Some days it’s a smooth, fluid movement. Other days it’s a slow, thoughtful crawl to the next posture. Both can be full of grace.

Understanding the Concept of Grace

In our culture, grace is often equated with elegance or poise—something you can see from the outside. However, in many spiritual traditions, the word “grace” has a very different meaning. It’s a gift you are given regardless of outward value, merit, or beauty. It is not something you perform. It’s an inward quality—more about the state of your heart than the line of your body.

I have always struggled to accept and embrace this meaning, to "rest in the grace of God." Maybe I am looking for something more active—something I can participate in. As I do, I looked for a Sanskrit word closest to the concept of grace because Sanskrit is such a rich language, full of subtle and personal connotations.

The Sanskrit word कृपा (*Kṛpā*) represents grace perfectly. It means compassion, mercy, or benevolence, often used to describe a blessing freely given—whether from a higher power or from one human heart to another. Kṛpā is unconditional; you can’t earn it, and you don’t need to. But you can actively and intentionally live in it and allow it to move through you. We are getting closer.

Grace vs. “Being Graceful”

The Distinction Between Grace and Earning

The author Dallas Willard once wrote:

“Grace is not opposed to effort. It is opposed to earning. Effort is action. Earning is attitude.”

This distinction changes everything. Effort—on the mat and in life—is not the enemy of grace. In fact, grace often needs our participation. We show up. We breathe. We try. We practice. But we do so without the burden of proving our worth or winning approval.

Earning is an attitude rooted in scarcity—the belief that we must become something more before we are deserving. Grace, on the other hand, says: You are already worthy; you always have been. When you accept this, effort becomes an expression of love rather than a transaction for acceptance.

Living Kṛpā

Embodying Grace in Yoga Practice

In yoga practice, embodying Kṛpā might look like:

• Moving at a pace that honors your body, even when your mind is tempted to rush.

• Softening your breath in a challenging posture instead of muscling through it.

• Meeting your own frustration with curiosity instead of criticism.

• Offering yourself the same compassion you might extend to a dear friend.

  
  

Practicing Kṛpā in Daily Life

In daily life, it could be:

• Choosing rest without guilt.

• Responding with patience to someone else’s rough edges.

• Allowing yourself to receive help without apologizing.

• Releasing the endless “shoulds” and living from a place of enough-ness.

  
  

The Invitation to Grace

Next time you find yourself in a transition—on the mat or off—try approaching it “in any graceful manner.” Let it be messy. Let it be yours. Remember that grace (Kṛpā) is not a prize to be earned. It’s already present, waiting for you to notice it, to live inside it.

As you move, put in the effort—not to prove yourself, but to participate fully in this moment, exactly as you are. That, to me, is where the beauty of grace truly lives.

Conclusion

In summary, embracing Kṛpā allows us to redefine our understanding of grace. It encourages us to move through life with intention and compassion. By recognizing that grace is not about perfection but about presence, we can cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves and others.

Let us all strive to embody this beautiful concept, allowing it to guide our actions both on and off the mat. Grace is not just a fleeting moment; it is a way of being that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.