Author: Ki McGraw

Strong winds and rain have returned to our area. Instead of succumbing to what the locals call June gloom, it’s important that we stay clear about our intentions, since we have a new moon. Appreciating the moisture, like the plants, we may quench our thirst for Spring as we prepare to shift into Summer on Tuesday.

Counting our blessings, we may be aware all the growth this spring has brought. Continuing that growth, we may encourage it to fruit into something nutritious and sweet. The new moon invites us to reflect and recalibrate for optimal usage of the energies surrounding us.

What growth are you aware of that has occurred this Spring? As you reflect, what do you need to re-calibrate for optimal continuing growth this summer? Ki to Happiness reflects in the new moon to set clear intentions for a fruitful Summer.

Years ago I participated in a hypnosis workshop for psychotherapists. The presenter said among many things, that people primarily want to live in an understandable universe. While other things he said and did didn’t completely ring true this statement did.

For a time yesterday, I didn’t understand my universe. When a tiny nugget of information came my way, suddenly I understood myself. In doing so, my understandable universe greets me this morning.

What do you understand about your universe? Is there some thing you don’t yet understand? Ki to Happiness understands.

During my anniversary chat with my former supervisor, she shared with me her premonition that I would be in touch. She described being in her kitchen making tea when she had a felt sense that I was with her. She said she turned to look and saw me standing in her sweet home.

She took it as a sign that I would be in touch within the next two days. When she received my text a few hours after that experience in her kitchen, she said she nearly fainted at the validation of our deep spiritual connection. We shared the delight of our 40 years interacting about such things, which she refers to as “booga booga”.

Have you experienced astral visitations or premonitions? Can your circuitry withstand validation of spiritual connections? Ki to Happiness stays grounded and open to the Booga Booga.

The yoga sutras of Patanjali and A Course in Miracles as well as other spiritual texts concur that our innate state is perfect happiness. Letting go of all distractions from that state reveals it within. It may take a lifetime to do so, and yet what remains is a life worth living.

Whether on the yoga mat, or in the process of psychotherapy we are invited to explore our hindrances to this indwelling state. Ceasing from identifying with our issues we instead identify with our consciousness that precedes and envelopes them. Identifying with consciousness, peace and contentment are the result.

How happy are you? What hindrances and distractions do you need to process in order to cease from identifying with them? Ki to Happiness celebrates identifying with innate peace, contentment and perfect happiness and is honored to facilitate others through yoga and private sessions.

Tomorrow will be my 40 year anniversary of working as a psychotherapist. I will celebrate by contacting my former supervisor, and serving my clients as well as teaching my yoga classes. I continue to do what I love and love what I do.

In my ever-expanding holistic approach to counseling, I have healed myself and witnessed others heal from all that holds us back from happiness, health and wholeness. Yoga continues to be a practice that promotes this. Integration of body, mind, emotions and spirit aligns us with the One in All.

Do you do what you love and love what you do? What requires further healing? Ki to Happiness celebrates 40 years of serving and being served by the One.

Half my life ago, I participated in a massage training program. In it our primary instructor included breathing practices, like pranayama. Whatever came up in the process of receiving or giving massage, he encouraged us to breathe through—pain, pleasure, tension, ease all were to be met with breath.

In watching Leonard Cohen’s biopic, I discovered one of his intentions with his vastly popular hit song, Hallelujah shared that same intention. The poet, Rumi, encourages us similarly in his offering entitled The Guesthouse. Whatever we each phase, each moment in our life, is to be greeted like a guest, with breath, hallelujah, and may be a cup of tea.

What are you facing? Can you breathe with it, pour it a cup of tea, and say Hallelujah? Ki to Happiness shares the tea with you.

As we went out for our walk in the cool dark wet afternoon, we saw a mama duck waddling our way with her three ducklings behind her. A couple of helpful neighbors ushered them safely across the big street, but didn’t know where to guide them. I suggested our nearby park with its creek.

These neighbors didn’t know about Victory Creek Park. They appreciated the suggestion and continued in that direction, slowly and tenderly. By the time we returned from our walk, all had found their way to safety.

How well do you know your neighborhood? Are you friendly with your neighbors? Ki to Happiness aspires to being a good neighbor with all residents of the Earth.

Students have been gifting us with chocolates, fruit, and flowers. Our altar overflows with their generosity. These are tokens of love.

Every day I photograph the altar with a fresh Reiki infused candle to offer its healing vibration to those in need. It’s impossible to photograph the love symbolized by the gifts. The combination of love and healing is available, by simply putting one’s hand on the image and taking a few slow deep breaths.

How do you symbolize love? Can you open up to receive the vibration of healing at a distance? Ki to Happiness gives the love and healing she’s received.

In Seattle the month of June is often wet, windy and chilly. This year, we have had warm, dry clear weather instead. Today, Junuary returns with a dark dawn, drizzle and a strong breeze.

I am ready for it this year, and I even missed it until now. Snuggling with my cats in my blankets, sipping warm tea, and practicing yoga in the light in the warmth of my altar candle, I am content in any kind of weather. I awakened to the news of the slow hand of justice reaching out across our land with further consequences for our former president.

Where do you turn to when the chilly winds blow through your life? What practices sustain you in all kinds of weather? Ki to Happiness returns to Hatha Yoga daily, no matter the political climate or the environment.

The warm evening drew us out into the long lingering light of 9pm sunset. Soft, pink wispy clouds hung in our clear air. Taking in the beauty before bed soothed some of the day’s edgy quality.

In two more weeks, summer solstice will bring us maximum light. In another two weeks after, we will be back to the amount of potential light we have right now. This month of light replenishes our internal solar cells and our soul as well.

Are you spending enough time outdoors? Can you let nature soothe you? Ki to Happiness lets in the light.