Author: Ki McGraw

A student from long ago returned to us yesterday. We would not have recognized her if not for her voice. She welcomed Bob’s familiar instruction as I stayed on my mat in my practice.

In the 24 years since interacting with her, many things have changed. On personal, political and planetary levels of awareness priorities and allegiances may have shifted or even reversed. Hatha Yoga remains steadfast and consistent, holding a mirror for us to see our body mind spirit evermore clearly.

 What do you see when you look in your mirror?  Are you getting the reflection of your body mind and spirit or just your face? Ki to Happiness sees the inner light shining more brightly from every angle with each practice.

With assistance yesterday, I was able to schedule our next email campaign. Hatha Yoga Center wants to spread the word and save the date for next years jubilee. May 30, 2027 we’d love to celebrate 50 years of serving the community.

It will also be my 30 year anniversary of meeting Bob and our 25 year wedding anniversary. if you have an interest in receiving an email, please make sure we have your address. And if you have other addresses on other members, we’d love to invite them, too.

How would you like to celebrate your participation with HYC? Do you have any memorabilia you would like to contribute for our organization in advance? Ki to Happiness cherishes every memory and community member as we look forward to 5/30/26.

In the night when I awaken with concerns, I have learned to simply pray. There are always Helpers available when we humble ourselves enough to recognize we need them. The more we turn to prayer, the more we turn into prayer.

In the day, it’s easier to forget to pray. We take action, we try, we struggle, we fret, we analyze, we criticize. And yet, if we start our day with prayers of gratitude for those Helpers, we deepen our connection and confidence in that which is always available.

Do you allow yourself to recognize when you need help? Are you willing to ask for it? Ki to Happiness asks and receives, seeks and finds Help always available.

On 9/11/01, we got a call from a student, alerting us to turn on the TV. She knew it was not our habit to have it on during our morning yoga practice. We saw the 2nd tower fall into itself, and knew the world would never be the same.

The many changes that have come from that devastation have deepened my commitment to yoga. All practices that support peace within can contribute to peace in the world. Today’s classes will further the effort toward peaceful resolution of differences and tolerance of diversity.

What has changed for you in the 25 years since 9/11? What commitment has deepened in response to those changes? Ki to Happiness remembers and commits daily to fostering peace inside and out.

Today’s new moon in Virgo gives us a chance to reset our habits. Having reflected on them, today is a great day to let go of any that you have decided you are done with. I find it’s helpful to thank them for all they have done for us.

In their place, we choose healthier habits. There may be a need for subtle shifts at home, which is where most of our habits take place. Healthy habits at home make for happy humans.

What habit are you ready to release? What is a better habit to cultivate in its place? Ki to Happiness resets habits for health at home to share with our Hatha Yoga Center classes and clients.

My heart goes out to Kauai as the Island awakens to widespread damage from the recent hurricane. Without power or water, they will make do until there is relief. When I was there 34 years ago during hurricane Iniki, that took two months for power restoration and two weeks for water.

Since this was not a direct hit, perhaps they will recover sooner. I’m so grateful for my years there, all my experiences sailing, dancing and my first yoga studio. I send my love and support to those who will be rebuilding their lives again.

What kind of storms have you weathered? How much does it make you appreciate mild weather? Ki to Happiness will enjoy today’s perfect end of summer mildness in the comfort of intact structures in honor of those who’ve suffered the ravages of Hurricane Lowell.

After my labor of love on Labor Day, we took our ritual bike ride with our friends. The light rain and clouds cleared as we arrived at Matthew’s Beach. The weather held all the way for our Thai dinner and return home.

We enjoyed one another’s company, the great outdoors, ducks, geese, eagles, and the many Seattles we drove thru. Back home, the cats wanted dinner, and the studio space needed to be reset for regular classes. Overall, it was a memorable ritual ride, as we make plans for next year already.

How did you observe Labor Day? Has it resourced you for further labor today? Ki to Happiness has more loving memories with which to serve, practice and teach.

Happy Labor Day to all who labor. Thank you for your every effort to make this a better world. May each enjoy free time for rest and reflection.

I love to labor on Labor Day on behalf of all of those who work so hard. Serving my clients and students is a labor of love for me. After work, we may have a fun bike rideride in celebration of tonight’s free time.

How will you observe this Labor Day? What is your best way to rest and acknowledge your hard work? Ki to Happiness labors in love to contribute to our beautiful world.

Getting set up for my morning class, I looked out the window and I saw a familiar gait. Walking out to greet a community member from long ago, my eyes softened began to tear up. As we embraced, she said hers were, too.

We entered the studio together and I introduced her to those present as a former graduate who studied with us on Guam and Bali. She said she graduated from our Yoga Teacher Training program in 2004. As class progressed, the years disappeared into the timeless practice of Hatha Yoga.

What makes time disappear for you? What practices bring you present? Ki to Happiness stays present with timeless practices.

Today is my big brother‘s birthday. To celebrate I posted a picture of him as a little one on my Facebook reel. It’s my favorite picture of him holding up an old telephone receiver.

We talk weekly on our cell phones now. We do so to continue to coordinate our supportive efforts with our dear mother. In this way we continue the family legacy of our maternal grandmother having worked for Bell telephone 100 years ago.

What family legacy do you continue? Which part have you let go of? Ki to Happiness stays in touch and remembers those who’ve gone before us, building a network that allows us to do so readily.