The word “grace” has many definitions. It denotes divine essence in regard to God, elegance in regard to movement, and goodwill in regard to relationships. In regard to yoga, it’s a combination of those.

Our yoga practices give us a chance to practice grace on and off our mats (because yoga does not end on our mats—far from it). On our mats, perhaps we practice grace by moving elegantly through asana; but more importantly, we are elegant with our breath, which we aim to keep slow, steady, and connected to. Off our mats, we practice grace with others and ourselves by showing goodwill even in challenging interactions. In our seats of meditation, we practice grace by connecting to our own divine nature, the God within ourselves.

Even with all the words in the world, to me this term is often better defined by a feeling. When I am committed to my yoga practice, I feel most present—that is the feeling of living in, with, or by grace.