Author: Ki McGraw

In celebration of our second year here, our altar is set with 2 dozen roses. Offerings of myrrh swirl up to those energies that helped us find our way here. An apple, green tea and a fresh candle symbolize earth, water and fire in addition to the air represented by the incense.

All elements coalesce in the roses. All assistance on each plane of consciousness brought us together here. Causal, Astral and Physical planes align as I express gratitude for these blessings.

What blessings can you count this morning? How would you like to symbolize your gratitude for those on your altar? Ki to Happiness lets go of the lessons required to get here as the blessings are counted.

We moved to our present location two years ago. When realtors say “location, location, location“, I have a new appreciation for what that means. This location has offered us affordable convenience for all of our needs, an abundance of students, and a safer neighborhood to live and walk in.

Proximity to Bob’s childhood golf course means he is happier and healthier having resumed playing. That contributes to greater healing in our relationship. Our cats enjoy being more interactive with our community in this live work space since there’s no door separating them from class here.

Do you love the location where you live? How about your work location? Ki to Happiness loves safe, affordable locations from which to offer Hatha Yoga and private sessions.

As I settle back into my life here, I know where I am when I wake up. Our cats are adjusting to my presence and allowing me to awaken on my own. I don’t use an alarm clock so my I can stir when natural rhythms want me to.

Starting each day in this way gives me a chance to consciously intend to align with my Higher Self. My yoga practices begin with mantra, singing like the birds. We welcome the dawn before first light, building faith in its victory over the “darkness of unwisdom” as stated in the Yoga Sutras.

Do you use an alarm? How do you awaken? Ki to Happiness wakes up to offer her life of service to the One in All.

My brother and I chat on Sundays. We check in to make sure that we are both covering Mom well. They are both doing great after our most recent visit which relieves me of any concern.

I returned to the mainland from my tropical homes a long time ago to assist them more readily. It’s been a tremendous sacrifice and well worth it. I honor their choices to live their lives as they do and we are each happy with our choices.

How is your relationship to your family of origin? Can you honor their choices? Ki to Happiness lives a responsible life of conscious choosing and honors family members doing the same.

We are celebrating our cats’ birthday. They were found hungry, abandoned, and in need by our veterinarian’s family. We made our best guess at their birthday, so we observe it each year at this time.

Their presence in our life brings us joy.  They contribute to the Hatha Yoga Center community as they are social, friendly and love to participate in their ways. We honor them with fresh catnip and their favorite food, extra grooming and lots of time together.

Do you include animals in your community? Can you celebrate their contribution? Ki to Happiness cherishes life in all its forms.

 This morning, I resume my full schedule teaching yoga. I do so with many new memories from my family visit. In attending Bob’s class yesterday morning, I felt renewed vigor and appreciation of yoga, Hatha Yoga Center and our community.

Solo practice, wherever I travel has been the bedrock of my experience of yoga. Group practice reinvigorates my dedication and commitment. From that full well, I look forward to giving back to my community today.

What benefit do you find from practicing in groups? How is that as compared to practicing by yourself? Ki to Happiness benefits from both and shares those benefits with others.

I returned home after my delayed flight to Bob conducting his class. I wanted to avoid disrupting him, however, the guard dog insisted she announce my intrusion. Ava is our mascot and knows me well, so her bark was tempered by her wagging tail.

I left my luggage at the door and came up to our living space separate from the yoga class. All three cats greeted me as I sang their song, pet them, and offered lots of catnip. This morning, we all got right into rhythm with our healthy habits and rituals.

What practices travel with you? What’s the best part of homecoming? Ki to Happiness feels at home with yoga practice.

My brother came over for dinner on my last night here in St. Louis. We went outside for sunset as the heat of the day subsided. On our way to the patio, we heard ducks quacking.

We looked around and saw a family of ducks walking toward us. They were all together, and yet looked very different from one another and seemed to have a different sense of timing and direction about their movement. It felt like a reflection of our family.

How do you interpret the signs of nature around you? When you gather with family and friends, is there space for all of your differences? Ki to Happiness accepts the natural differences that occur with togetherness.

Last night, my friends included me in their concert date. We sat outside on the lawn of the venue as Joan Jett and Alanis Morissette took to the stage. Both inspired me as a guitarist as well as a singer.

We left before the concert finished to avoid the traffic and to ensure early bedtime. Today is another day, in which I am happy to get up early and sit for my practice before my final day here in my hometown. My brother and I have plans tonight , concluding this summer trip of visiting family and friends.

Who do you prefer, Joan or Alanis? Are you drawn to guitar riffs or incredible vocal range? Ki to Happiness appreciates women using their voices and talents to unite us.

When I wake up, I get right into my morning rituals. I chant, meditate, do pranayama and conclude with prayer. My healthy body from all the asana practice gives me feedback about what refinements are necessary.

Sometimes, if I awaken earlier than usual, I lay in bed and witness the rituals come forth from within. Today, I spontaneously began with prayer instead, so both spontaneous and ritual practices align my will with Thy Will.

What rituals do you practice? How spontaneous are your prayers? Ki to Happiness practices rituals so these habits anchor me and spontaneously arise.