Month: October 2026

I sat with my psychotherapeutic mentor in her sunny garden as we caught up. After her colon cancer and then my mom’s we were fortunate to have another visit in person. We slipped right back into our familiar roles, enjoying each other as we have for 43 years, winding in and out of personal and professional material.

The birds sang and visited us at particularly poignant moments, with her pointing them out, saying that she lives with them now. She referred to the nature surrounding us as Autumn falls, full of metaphor. She especially aligned with the lilies, looking nearly dead, but certain to be reborn in Spring, when we hope to see each other again.

 What metaphors do you align with in nature? Do you listen to the birds and their messages? Ki to Happiness listens and learns from nature, the greatest mentor of All.

In driving across the Prairie at sunset, I saw the most spectacular and unusual clouds. Bright golden clouds to the west with wispy peaches and oranges against the fading blue sky were in contrast to the indigo and Scarlet clouds to the east. In between, lots of corn about to be harvested as well as soybean fields already cleared welcomed me to the land of my Alma Mater, mentor and friends.

At a distance, I saw very low hanging dark clouds. On three separate occasions, they hovered just above the land by about 4 feet. One by one I approached them and drove right through them, spine erect, breathing consciously, and praying, just in case.

Have you experienced natural anomalies? How do you respond to the mysteries in our world? Ki to Happiness breathes freely and deeply with spine erect and prays.

On the superficial level, all is well as I continue this family visit. Navigating issues and differences political and personal, we deepened into post church conversations. Highly significant at this time in our lives, we find our way to gracious peace with the past, joy in the present, and hope for the future.

Yoga practice anchors my awareness here and now. It enables me to shrug off reactions to triggers and recognize how far we’ve come. Ram Das used to say “ if you ever feel enlightened, try visiting your family for a week” which makes me grin without disturbance.

How comfortable are you with shallowness? How deep can you go? Ki to Happiness transitions levels of consciousness without confusion with the anchor of Hatha Yoga.

Mom and I are about to go up to her church. She and I are happy to enter into any church and praise the Great One. And this is not just any church, but her home church, where she has her church family.

All are welcome. Including me, the traveler, the yogi, the daughter. I appreciate their open arms and hearts which I reciprocate.

Do you have limits on where you are willing to worship? Can you find the desire to praise in any circumstances? Ki to Happiness praises the One in All circumstances.

I arrived in time for soup before mom‘s movie choice. Her church had gotten the license to watch the first episode of the sixth season of Chosen. We gathered with 12 people to watch and sat in a circle after to discuss.

Meaningful and deep sharing ensued. Differences of opinion regarding various aspects were expressed. Mom‘s church friends have been so loving and kind to us, especially through mom’s medical issues this year.

Who chooses what you watch? Do you allow yourself to express your opinion if different from the others with whom you watch? Ki to Happiness watches herself watch, witnessing reactions of self and others, continuing to choose peace in any discussions.

I drove from the airport to my brother’s. He invited me over to see the improvements in his place and spend time with his 4 cats. It’s the first time I’ve been invited to his place in years.

We walked to the best Indian restaurant in town, just a couple of blocks away. After enjoying our vegetarian meal, I drove to my girlfriend’s house where she, her husband and their three cats welcomed me. After morning practices. I’ll hit the road to Mom‘s, where there will be no cats, but lots of deer.

Do you keep up your practices while you travel? How do others accommodate your commitment to practice? Ki to Happiness travels where yoga practices are invited and welcomed.

I caught myself laughing last night before bed. I was remembering the expression“man plans and God laughs”. It took me until then to get the punchline.

As each of my schedule events for my upcoming trip shifted, I realized it was out of my control. I did get to choose how I responded, once my reactions calmed down. Practicing and teaching yoga helped me access the wisdom within so I could serenely laugh with God.

What helps you get the punchline? Are you willing to take responsibility for your reactions when plans change? Ki to Happiness chooses to respond with acceptance.

As I prepare for my departure tomorrow, I’m doing all I can to leave everything in good order for my absence. Yesterday I was able to bed down my container garden and set birdseeds out. Seeing the upcoming storms, it is essential that I secure as much as possible.

Classes are all covered, cats are in the loving care of Bob, clients are scheduled and my bag is packed. I’ve already prayed for assistance with my non-physical helpers. As my mom texted, my plans are filled with love.

What are your plans filled with? What do you need to do in the present to invite a good future? Ki to Happiness tends to all those she loves, flora and fauna, two legged and four, as well as the winged ones.

One our community members grew some fabulous root crops this summer. We have been the recipient of enough to feed ourselves for about a month. Yesterday I shared some of our stew with other community members.

I am envisioning beets, carrots, potatoes, and onions all grounding those with whom we’ve shared. Soothing, healing and calming the body will enable further growth in gratitude and connection to Mother Earth. I’ll serve our community today from my well nourished and resourced body mind spirit.

 What helps you ground? Does it also help you grow? Ki to Happiness grounds and grows like the trees, quietly and nearly imperceptibly.

In Seattle, today, we observe Indigenous People’s Day as our federal government continues to commentate Columbus Day. It may be confusing, as is often the case when there is change. Overall, it is in the direction of improvement and truth.

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where the Cahokia Mounds inform us of a great indigenous civilization much more ancient than Columbus’ arrival. I’m of Irish heritage, so unlike my Italian neighbors there, I had no cultural connection to Christopher Columbus. But the Mounds always captivated me with their unsolved mysteries of who built them, for what reason, why did they leave and where did they go.

How do you honor those who came before you? Can you celebrate the peoples who were here as well as those who came later? Ki to Happiness honors all Indigenous Peoples as well as adventurous travelers, recognizing both within myself.