Give yourself some Grace this month

The Lotus

I’m a bit late with this August post, and not just because I was away on vacation last week, Despite the “slowing down” August is supposed to bring, my own life has felt a bit frantic and anxious of late. As I thought about a theme for this month, I realized how often we imagine August as a time  of relaxation when in reality, many of us feel a subtle (or not so subtle) undercurrent of anxiety. Maybe it’s the anticipation of everything about to ramp up—school, work, that last summer trip to prepare for. Or maybe it’s the pressure to feel relaxed, which can spark its own tension (“Am I relaxing fast enough?" let's call it relaxation FOMO.) 

Whatever the reason, our inner state doesn’t always match the languid, breezy vibe we associate with this month. And that’s OK. This is where Grace comes in.

Grace isn’t just what we see on the outside, like a dancer’s poise or a perfectly held yoga pose. It’s an inner quality, a softness toward ourselves and others. It’s kindness and patience embodied—even when things feel awkward, off, or far from “should.” In yoga, grace is not about performing perfectly; it’s about how we approach each breath, each movement, each moment with care.

This month, I invite you to notice the pauses between movements, the spaces between thoughts, the gentle rhythm of your breath. Let your yoga remind you that grace is a practice, not a performance. Carry that same mindful pace into your life—allowing each step, decision, and interaction to be guided by intention rather than urgency. In doing so, you honor your own inner balance and the people and experiences that share your path.