Month: October 2024

I wondered why my cats were acting so different this morning. Each in their own different constitutional way, they let me see the need for security. As I opened the blinds, I saw several raccoons on our deck feasting on stolen food.

That helped me understand why Paka jumped on my head super early. Another of our cats stood watch near the bandits, as our 3rd feline stayed as far away as possible. The scaredy cat wouldn’t eat, whereas Paka gorged then regurgitated and our watcher waited for calm security to have breakfast.

Which cats’ constitution do you share? Are you alarming, watchful, or scared? Ki to Happiness appreciates the 3 constituent qualities of nature which the Yoga Sutras call Doshas, and identify as Tridoshic, meaning all three: Pitta, Kapha, and Satva.

While still a teen, I married on this day. The brutality of that union set me on a course of courage as I learned the process of healing. I’ve shared this process with lots of folks as a psychotherapist and yoga teacher.

In previous efforts to reclaim the day, I have especially appreciated those in my life who celebrate their birthday today. When my ex-husband passed away eight years ago, I reclaimed the town in which the unholy union took place. Today, I embrace my history and safely behold the mystery of how brutality is transformative as I reclaim today.

What part of your history do you need to reclaim? Can you behold the mystery in its transformative power? Ki to Happiness embraces today and is grateful for all that has led to it.

I’m getting to know several new students after returning from my trip. We are doing well together and looking to many more classes in the future. One of them arrived late for my beginners’ class due to parking confusion and uncertainty about which door to enter.

In the disturbance of her joining us, I shifted into compassion for what it takes to do something new. The other students shifted with me as they remembered what it was like for them to attend for their first time, as well as what it’s like to return after some time away. All of us found the joy of yoga practice, as class continued in the union of understanding that the hardest part of the yoga path is beginning, again and again.

How do you handle the stress challenge of doing something new? Can you allow yourself to have beginner’s mind, without expectation? Ki to Happiness remembers “the first days are the hardest days” with every beginning.

We met with our legal counselor yesterday to discuss signing our next lease. At this point in our lives, it necessitated some estate planning as well. Bob and I both both recognize our irreplaceable partnership and want a clause to release the survivor from fiduciary responsibility when either of us are no longer able to continue.

We don’t usually talk about such things. Our common values and style of conflict resolution made for easy agreement about the issues. We aligned over our weekly burrito date and informed our wise counselor of our discussion.

What relationships are irreplaceable in your life? Can you talk about what that means for the future? Ki to Happiness releases the future into the Higher Power with the support of wise counsel.

I was born at the tail end of the baby boom. Lately I’ve been seeing how I share many of the characteristics of my generation. It’s humbling and challenging to stay relevant, keep up with the societal changes and continue to value my skill set.

I witness my older baby boomer husband approaching these issues in his way. I learn from his choices how to improve upon my own. Fortunately the path of Yoga has been around for so long that these issues dissolve into asana, pranayama, meditation and prayer regardless of any demographics.

What generation do you belong to? Can you value the characteristics of it and other generations? Ki to Happiness embraces the timeless path of Yoga and offers it to all generations.

Today’s full super moon, the Hunter’s Moon, occurs just as a visible comet has graced the western skies at sunset. There is a lot of energy wanting to be expressed with fiery intensity, yet it is tempered by a conjunction with Chiron, the wounded healer of the Zodiac. This may suggest we take heed of the warnings to avoid aggression as it is likely to result in more wounding.

This is a good day to avoid pushing, or forcing. It’s well advised for us to keep our own counsel, as others may be less receptive to our expressions. Look at the progress made since the New Moon eclipse 2 weeks ago to avoid impatience.

What progress do you see in the last two weeks? What wounds would you like to avoid reopening? Ki to Happiness uses fiery energy to practice yoga with patience and persistence.

The friendly skies is delivered me safely back to my home in Seattle. I have much to integrate from my homecoming reunion trip. It’s a pleasure to do so with my cats around me, my husband’s efforts to welcome me and the leaves slowly changing on my street.

My morning practices sustain me wherever I am. Today, with muscle memory, it’s as if the practices are doing me.  I get to ride the wave well established in my circuitry to get up, balance my energies, and give thanks for the tools with which to do so.

 Which tools balance your energies? What habits do you ride like a wave? Ki to Happiness uses Hatha Yoga tools among the healing arts that have become habits and rituals.

I return to Seattle with lots of new memories. From my High School Reunion to my Alma Mater, old memories are updated in the light of fresh experiences. My relationships with friends, family and mentors deepened.

All along the way, my practices companion me. Asana grounds me, meditation and prayer stabilize that grounding and prayer shines the light onward. Staying consistent gives my something to count on especially during changes of location, stress and uncertainty.

What companions your travel? Can you stay consistent in your practices during challenges? Ki to Happiness practices yoga wherever, whatever occurs.

My brother and I drove our cars separately in tandem from mom‘s house back to St. Louis. We stopped along the way at a few of our most memorable sites. We drove down the magnificent Grandview Drive with autumn leaves spectacularly bursting their colors on our way to our junior college before hitting the highway.

I peeled off at my designated exit in St. Louis as he continued on to his exit, waving and flashing peace signs at each other. Arriving at my friend’s house, I shared all the pictures of our high school reunion which she could not attend due to other commitments.  We made plans for attending together in five years as we walked her neighborhood and shared the contents of our hearts.

Do you have to be in the same car to feel that you’re traveling with someone?  Do you have to attend the same reunion in order to share your experiences with others? Ki to Happiness honors separateness simultaneously with togetherness.

My brother arrived yesterday so we could have one full day together with mom. As we prepare to depart today, we are all acutely aware of our blessings to have been able to enjoy one another’s company again here at the same address where we all lived together so many years ago. There’s no guarantee that we will have another opportunity.

In such awareness, it is essential to stay grounded. Since all is well that ends well, it is important to recognize that each of us has done our best, to forgive any ways in which our best fell short, and to express gratitude. To stay grounded, I practice Hatha Yoga and look around me at what is here, now: peace, safety and thanksgiving.

What helps you stay grounded? How do you handle transitions? Ki to Happiness breathes consciously with head held high and sends her awareness down the spine, through both legs into the Earth.