Month: June 2024

This last Monday of Spring begins dark and rainy. I’m preparing for Summer’s start anyway. I’ve changed out our bedding for warmer temperatures and put away the heavy blankets, coats and boots.

Bob appreciates these rituals as part of our Father’s Day observances. He rested after his morning of teaching. I encouraged him to do exactly as he wanted on the holiday which included favorite foods, time in the sunshine, and his movie choice.

Even though it feels like winter, are you preparing for summer? Do you have the faith that warmer and brighter days are coming? Ki to Happiness Springs into Summer.

Hatha Yoga Center wishes everyone a happy Father’s Day by continuing to offer regularly scheduled classes by Bob Smith. He is the father of this oldest yoga studio in Seattle. He is also the father of a fine young man who took us to lunch yesterday.

The cats and I already presented our gifts and card to Bob. He appreciated all that we’ve done for him, and may go golfing today after he teaches. Whatever he wants to do, I support in honor of all the good dads who are doing their best as representatives of Divine Father.

How will you observe this Father’s Day?  Who is the best representative of Divine Father in your life? Ki to Happiness offers every morning practice to Divine Father-Mother in an effort to be a better and better representative.

In celebrating my 41 years as a therapist, I remembered the dream that motivated my career path. As a kid, I thought that if I became a therapist, I would be able to feel better and help others feel better, too. Realizing that dream helped me dream other dreams.

One by one, as we realize our dreams, we evolve. We become more confident about our ability to manifest our truest desires. Ultimately, all of our truest desires lead to the desire within each of us to unite with the Creator in our acts of creation.

What dreams have you realized? Which dreams do you still need to manifest? Ki to Happiness realizes Union through the principles and practices of Hatha Yoga.

After my morning practice, I checked my phone and found a client’s text.  She incorrectly believed we were to have a private session. I called her immediately to tell her we were booked for today, but I would rally although I was in my PJs without any make up on. 

We got right to work remotely on my phone. My lack of professional appearance didn’t interfere with our session at all. Today is my 41st anniversary of conducting such sessions which equipped me with all I needed to provide such service.

What is needed for you to provide your service?  Do your morning practices prepare you well for whatever your day requires? Ki to Happiness readys herself with Hatha Yoga.

Not only did Bob’s sister and new man come to visit, but also one of the cousins. Sitting together at a local restaurant, we all easily chatted and shared pictures from our phones. Talking about family members who are no longer with us, it felt like they all showed up at our table. 

In my own family of origin, those who have passed away are alive and well inside my memory. When my brother and I get together with one of our cousins in St.Louis, we all fit together like puppies from the same litter. These relationships, renewed, bring the past to life. 

What’s your relationship with your cousins? What renews your sense of family? Ki to Happiness cherishes her memories and is happy to make some fresh ones.

Today, Bob’s sister comes to visit from Texas. She’ll introduce us to her new man friend, see our live work space and have lunch. In all these years of being part of this family, this is a first.

I’ve reserved my energy for that purpose alone. I have coverage for tonight’s classes and rescheduled my appointments. I intend to be completely present to witness and participate in the healing potential this visit affords. 

How often do you see your in-laws?  What changes do you need to make to be with them? Ki to Happiness takes the day off, but not from yoga practices.

One of our long-term students gifted us the book entitled Breath. Reading it makes me so happy to have focused on my breath through yoga. Each day I begin my morning practices with attention to conscious breathing, increasing my lung capacity.

Setting a rhythm of balancing inhale with exhale first thing in the morning, means I’m more likely to keep a steady and balanced breath throughout my day. With balanced breath, I am more emotionally and physically stable.  Scientific research now shows that balancing the breath increases lung capacity and prolongs ones life.

Can you get up a few minutes earlier each day to consciously breathe? Are you willing to give yourself the gift of increased lung capacity? Ki to Happiness breathes and smiles.

I like to spend as much time outside as possible in this weather.  Talking with my brother, sipping tea, I ate my breakfast on a picnic table behind our building. Lunch smoothies with Bob on our deck gives us a a chance for a little more sunshine to add to the fresh air from practicing yoga in both of his classes with the windows open.

After our bike ride to a nearby park, I ate my dinner alfresco.  At the end of the day, I drank my warm before bed concoction while watering our container garden. We closed our open windows for safety as I reflected on the many ways to live outdoors and sleep indoors.

How much time do you spend in nature? Can you dine alfresco at home? Ki to Happiness connects with nature in as many ways as possible in this urban setting.

After teaching both classes yesterday morning, I took a walk in our neighborhood to check out a couple of yard sales. I changed into my black shorts and exposed my skin to the elements. Cloudy but warm, my skin opened to take in the day.

Although I found nothing of interest in my neighbors’ humble offerings, I’m glad I had the time to go look. Friendly smiles, and this simple ritual of the season brought me joy and delight.  My 63-year-old legs served me well enough to walk my desire around the neighborhood. 

What delights you in this season? Can you find joy in simple rituals? Ki to Happiness satisfies desires easily close to home.

I watched an inspirational video yesterday sent to me by a beloved community member. One of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s clients miraculously healed from stage four cancer and shared her story. She made a strong point that her healing came about from taking complete responsibility for her health.

Her primary method of doing so required she continue practicing meditation. Just like stated in the Yoga Sutras, she kept practicing against all odds. Her healing inspires our own, as we deepen our commitment to yoga.

What keeps you practicing meditation? Can you take full responsibility for your healing? Ki to Happiness keeps practicing Hatha Yoga, meditating and taking full responsibility for body mind spirit integration.