Month: January 2026

The Grateful Dead’s jazzy rhythm guitarist Bobby Weir passed away yesterday. An old Deadhead friend of mine posted the news on Social media. I stopped in my tracks to let his passing ripple through me like his music always did.

I awaken to the awareness of the fact that he’s gone as friends and family members share their memories and tributes. Kaleidoscopic images of attending concerts, playing in a Dead cover band, and choosing a healthier path bounce off one another in my morning practice. I’ll play and sing, dance and cry, then smile and remember there’s a reason they’re called the Grateful Dead.

What music has stirred your soul? How grateful will you be to be dead, in contrast to how grateful are you to be alive? Ki to Happiness is grateful to have been alive to see Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir in concert many times.

The milder weather and sun breaks inspired me to do a little winter gardening. A couple of last year’s primrose returned with their cheery blossoms. I got plenty more from QFC to line our path.

I used our garlands to border the path and contain the primrose. Recycling the holiday decorations, remembering dad’s appreciation of these flowers and feeling the warmth of the sun after several winter storms brought joy in the cycles and seasons of life. That joy Informs my practice this morning and motivates my instruction.

What inspires you to beautify? Where do you find joy? Ki to Happiness is inspired by nature to joyously participate in the cycles and seasons of life.

One of my FB communities is beginning a 10 day commitment. For 10 minutes at 7am PT we will meditate on truth and peace on a global scale together. We invite you to join us without further need on your part to enroll.

Adding that 10 minutes to my usual meditation time in the morning is an easy commitment for me. I recognize the benefit of joining others in intention and prayer. Linking energetically supports each of us individually as well as our efforts independently. 

Does this appeal to you? Can you join us? Ki to Happiness links conscious communities for the good of All.

Tension, stress and conflict diminish energy for play. Expressing the feelings and seeking comfort may result in further tension. Redirecting energy back to play, exploration, curiosity as soon as safe diminishes the time spent in problems.

Afterwards, the issues may reveal nuggets of guidance unavailable otherwise. Shifting into gratitude for the guidance, play may be enhanced. Working with these energies in yoga, we align ourselves with our potential as co-creators of a more joyous, peaceful world.

What helps you access your playful spirit? How quickly can you rebound from problems and issues? Ki to Happiness bounces back as soon as possible to align with the joy that continues to live within the Heart of hearts.

When I was a kid, my grandmother had particular days for different tasks. I’m not sure if Wednesday was Laundry Day, but we hope it will be for us. After six weeks without, the delivery And installation of our new washer/dryer is scheduled for today.

I have rearranged my schedule and the space to welcome in the new major appliance with minimal disruption to my clients and students. Bob has canceled his plans for golf so that he can be present when I am unable. My back up plan includes using the central studio space if the workers are late and run into class time.

How accommodating can you be? Do you make backup plans? Ki to Happiness “plans and God laughs” as the saying goes, so accommodates and makes backup plans for even her back up plans.

Today’s observed feast of the epiphany honors the three Wise men who followed the star in the east to find the sweet baby Jesus in the manger. Bringing gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, they welcomed the tiny babe into this world. The story inspires our own journey, following the light, offering gifts and witnessing miracles.

In today’s society, we use the term epiphany to describe moments of keen insight, observing the light within, shining on our path forward. In yoga, we cultivate our witness state of consciousness so that we may be able to withstand the light. Strengthening our bodies, remaining flexible, and balanced as we intend makes us a more fit vehicle to see the light and act in alignment with it.

What do you require to be able to withstand the light of your own being? More strength, flexibility, balance, or intention? Ki to Happiness requires time and space to practice.



Our son came to visit to conclude our holidays. I used the last piece of wrapping paper for his gifts. He appreciated the thoughtfulness and took us to lunch.

On our way back, he stopped to help pick up something too big for me to carry and put it in his truck to convey it here in advance of our new washer dryer’s installation. The gifts of his willingness to help, his strength, his truck and our lunch were all too big to put under a tree. Un decorating, the joys of HYC community, our time with family and the anticipation of our improved laundry facility linger.

Now that the holidays have passed, what lingers for you? Have you completed all un decorating yet? Ki to Happiness enjoys the memories as much as the preparation for each holiday.

Our city is celebrating the victory of our professional football team, the Seahawks. The fireworks left over from New Year’s Eve blasted out the fans’ joy. We are in a good position to go all the way to the Super Bowl.

Elsewhere, bombs are blasting overhead as the drums of war continue to escalate.  Students arrived to my morning classes, disturbed by the upsetting news. The yoga path nudges practitioners toward the middle, eschewing extremes in order to find balance and peace.

What brings you bright pleasure or dark pain? Are you willing to release attachment to extremes so to walk the middle path? Ki to Happiness has “compassion for the victors”and “sympathy for the losers “ as recommended by the Yoga Sutras.

Although the holidays have passed, this first full moon of the year continues the festivities. We have an opportunity to reflect on the past two weeks and what results from our celebrations. Course correction for next year and recalibration for the winter ahead of us are encouraged.

We are thrilled to have scheduled the installation of our new washer and dryer. That will certainly help our 2026. Hatha Yoga Center community got us through the past month without, which resulted in deeper bonds and gratitude.

What bonds deepened during the holidays? Any course corrections for next time? Ki to Happiness shines the full moon light of gratitude to our whole community.

Hatha Yoga Center resumes it’s regular schedule with the new Postures of the Year. Our studio welcomed in the New Year with some reorganization, sorting and clearing. We enjoyed our practices and our time off.

All together, we are grateful for both the disruption in the schedule and now returning to it. Both provide us with meaningful contributions to and from others. Living a life serving the One in All is an honor and a privilege.

How do you feel about returning to normal after the holidays? What benefit comes from the disruption? Ki to Happiness looks forward to serving after taking a break to welcome 2026.