A Pace of Grace: The Virtues of a Sustainable Life

by Linda Kavelin Popov

In today’s anxiety-ridden, stress-infused world, even a moment of quiet reflection has become a time- consuming luxury most of us just can’t afford.  How did we reach this point? How did we lose our direction and sense of control? And, most important, how can we reclaim our lives? 

Linda Kavelin Popov asked herself these same questions, after the pressures of her own workaholic lifestyle nearly destroyed her.  Now, as cofounder of the International Virtues Project she helps others achieve a pace of grace—a pace for our lives that can balance and sustain us physically and spiritually.  

Through a four-part program that teaches you how to purify your life, pace yourself, practice the presence, and plan a sustainable life, A Pace of Grace offers simple ways to rediscover the essential elements of a life well lived.  Complete with Linda’s ten rules for health, this comprehensive guide is the first step in recapturing the joy and vibrancy inherent in each of us.

Genres: Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Baha I, Health, Psychology

341 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2004

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for getting your life back on track. It is spiritual and practical, and Ms. Popov does not preach; she shares. I know I will go back to this book again and again.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practial organizational & spiritual advice to put into practice for everyday living to create a calm & peaceful path.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book like a snail pace, taking a few bites of it daily, but it worked for me that way. It is written by a woman who has the challenge of Post-Polio like I do. My life would run smoother if I could follow her suggestions to not overdo, and be more moderate in what I try to accomplish. I'm working on it. There were many lessons of how to rediscover the true virtues of a well-lived life. These virtues, if practiced, are needed to experience inner peace and greater happiness.

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what it was about this book but I just couldn't get into it. The chapters made sense. The content and tips were good and thought provoking but there was something about the writing that just repelled me. I read most of it and finally accepted it was done for me and time to move on.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading this book for a long time. It needed time for me to absorb what it was saying and to reflect on it before I read more. I have been aware of the Virtues Project for many years but it was only when I was training to be a Virtues Mentor that I discovered one of the originators of the project had come down with post-polio Syndrome - which has similar pain and fatigue symptoms to Fibromyalgia which I have. Even better, she had written a book about her recovery - this one! It coincided with me attending a course on Body Reprogramming which again teaches several of the lessons described in this book. I did find the American Language and cultural ways of describing things a little off-putting but most of all it is a great resource that I will return to.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you sometimes feel your life spiralling out of control, these steps will return you to a place where you can reclaim a more sensible pace of life, one that is truly sustainable as the title implies. We all need reminding that there are simple "rules" for living a healthy and rewarding life. The author writes from experience and fortunately for us has been able to distill her thoughts and wisdom in the form of clear and practical advice.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of practical action steps to designing a life that fills you up and sustains you in every way. It is perfect for anyone that feels out of alignment or overwhelmed by their current life but doesn't know where to start in creating a new one. It's not about making massive changes but rather small ones that add up to great results.

I look forward to implementing many, if not all, of Linda Popov's strategies this coming year.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An internal workbook that reads like a novel, one which draws you in to do the very work we tend to avoid.

I'll be going back again and again, to see how my answers, not so much change, but disappear from the landscape of my life.

Truly helpful in unpacking the emotional suitcases we drag from one year to the next.

[Barbara Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible read and dive into the life of Linda Kavelin-Popov and her journey through illness. Using 5 strategies, 10 Rules for Health and a practicing presence, Linda learned to Pace her life with Grace. This book is the course. If you're looking for a life change that is focused on self care, you won't be disappointed.

[shoghi aqdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books that impacted me in my early adult years.
I got to read this book after healing from a partial undiagnosed effects on my body but it inspired me on how I’d continue to live my life without pressuring my body too much!

[Klidneklara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was allowed just one book on my bookshelf. This is it. All about self-treating with kindness and spreading it around then.

[Tarah Jakubiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a challenging read as it causes a lot of self reflection. However the investment is worth the reward.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mashing together a do-less, enjoy-more philosophy with a range of retread techniques (e.g., do yoga, practice forgiveness, work smarter), psychotherapist Popov seeks to help readers simplify their lives. Unfortunately, her book reads like a disjointed, overstuffed, and often precious scrapbook. After blaming "FOG" (fatigue, overwhelm, and guilt) for people's distress, she dispenses advice rooted in the ideals of the nonprofit organization she cofounded, the Virtues Project International. Readers will find little how-to and must bear in mind about 100 "virtues" (e.g., sacrifice, trust, and unity) that were partly the focus of Popov's previous The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways To Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves. While certain passages have merit, the book feels disconnected and self-indulgent. Not recommended, though Popov is an Oprah darling, so there may be demand.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My one complaint is that the information lacked a certain amount of authority (she "received" the ten rules for health), but she gives so many interesting nuggets of wisdom about psychology and spirituality, that by the end I was truly inspired. I plan on reading a second time to glean even more, and am interested to seek out more of her writing on the virtues project.

[Maritza]

A Pace of Grace helps us to reclaim our energy, our time, and our health. Simple practices grounded in the virtues of a sustainable life open us to a new flow of grace.
A Pace of Grace offers a four-part program to Purify Your Life, Pace Yourself, Practice the Presence, and Plan a Sustainable Life. It contains Ten Rules for Health which can free you from stress, and support you to live with joy,
balance and vitality.

[Elizabeth Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of information about taking care of yourself, making your life more joyful and spiritual. The writer was a hospice and later spiritual director, who developed the Virtues project and workshops. Though not all the information will be relevant to everyone, there's a lot that will resonate to us all.

[Zuzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not the best-written book in the world, but it has a pile of great stuff in it, and I have a feeling I'll need to revisit parts of it in the future as well. Great for anyone trying to make more sense of how to live a life centered around virtues!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!! I've already started living my life differently with more focus on spirituality and virtues. Very refreshing.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites...simple steps to slow down and LIVE life