Author: Ki McGraw

Today marks my stepdad‘s 96th birthday! I’m so blessed to continue to have his presence in my life. We have always been copacetic, easily vibing together. Folks have often commented on how much we look alike, even without genetic connection.

Four years ago I met another person who shares his same birthday. I knew immediately we would get along and mutually support one another. I’m so happy to have her presence in my life, too!

Do you see birthday synchronicities in your life? Can you celebrate this Coincidence with me? Ki to Happiness recognizes Divine Intervention in synchronicities and coincidences.

Sometimes when I’m working on my memoir all the revisions and edits get sticky. Friday’s efforts brought me to frustration. I acted out in anger, throwing a tiny scrap of paper. Later I felt ashamed to have been seen in such a state by my assistant.

In advance of resuming our work together, I felt resistant. I wanted to avoid it. Instead, I decided to dedicate our efforts to cleaning up my bad behavior. I apologized at once when beginning. My assistant hadn’t noticed my tiny tantrum. We concluded a productive session by playfully throwing scraps of paper.

What do you need to apologize for so you can move forward? Any chance your error has gone unnoticed? Ki to Happiness appreciates the grace of being unnoticed.

Those three little words have stayed with me since first seeing The Princess Bride. Many of you may remember them, too. Yesterday they worked a miracle.

I received a new referral. In checking me out she came across a couple of disagreeable political posts from a long time ago on an account I rarely use. I felt blindsided by her opposition. Diplomacy guided my response. Satisfied, she confirmed her desire to proceed with our appointment. I closed with those three little words. We realigned over her recognition of them from what I’ll refer to now as “our favorite movie”.

What’s your favorite movie? What three little words work miracles in your life? Ki to Happiness aligns with protection of all that is innocent “as you wish”.

Having met my goal for the second month of the push-up challenge, I am inspired. Cheering on the others who continue to meet their goal I’m offering more creative variations.

At first I started in order to transform my grief into positive action. That was the easiest goal to achieve. Bringing awareness and potential donations for those who are facing cancer required more effort. Now I have a few more days to play with yogic push-ups for PanCAN. Next month, more challenges with my old and new friends and teammates await…

What goals do you need to meet in order to allow creativity to flow? What next challenge are you drawn to as you accomplish your present challenge? Ki to Happiness cheers you on to meet your challenges knowing the creativity that awaits your accomplishment.

During my first trip to India in the early 90s I went to Varanasi to visit Buddha’s Bodhi Tree where he attained enlightenment. Spending time in the atmosphere of his embodied consciousness uplifts all who gather and meditate there.

On one of my walks around the area, I lingered on some grass for a little asana practice. A woman named Padma came over to ask if I was a yoga teacher from America. She said she heard I was coming (?), wanted teach me traditional yoga privately, gave me a sari and a new Sanskrit name! This is how I came to name one of our cats. Padma is a great teacher.

Do you remember magical meetings in your life? How do you keep that magic alive now?Ki to Happiness still learns from Padma.

One more day left for me in my push-up challenge. Most often I receive comments about my consistence and my good form. I appreciate that, as I see lots of incredible variations. Some much harder and others too easy.

I keep on. Repeating the same practice day after day. Like yoga. It gives me feedback about my strength. It is increasing, if slowly. I keep thinking about those who are unable and what they are pushing through. Again and again, I’m glad to be alive and able to contribute.

How much variety do you need? Are you able to repeat what has worked for you before? Ki to Happiness finds variation within while staying consistent.

Today in the northern hemisphere we welcome autumn. As sunlight dims and darkens, other sources of light call us. Leaves glow shades of orange, yellow, red and purple. Candles and fireplaces glow from inside windows.

My yoga practice ignites my internal fire. It glows from my eyes. Looking out from inside this well tended fire, it spreads to light up my face. I smile and breathe this glow throughout my whole body and being.

What lights you up? How can you keep on glowing through this season?Ki to Happiness beams the glow of yoga through all seasons.

We live in Apple country. I have eaten more different varieties than I ever knew existed. I’ve been eating an apple a day for years and it has kept the doctor’s away.

I got a big box of apples from the farmers market. I had Scotty from Jersey Boys deliver so I didn’t have to carry 25 pounds back home. Honeycrisp is the first solid food I let enter my mouth! Bringing the best of summer into the fall.

Do you eat an apple a day? Want to join me for it this fall? Ki to Happiness encourages you to do so!

This full moon brings to light all of that we have been growing during the summer. In it’s light you see reflected our own unconscious material. From my garden I harvested basil and mushrooms.

From my heart, I harvested a greater willingness to let of any perceived offenses. In place of resentment, I am harvesting Joy. This moon brings hope for a soft fall.

What are you harvesting from your physical guardian? And what from the Subtler Garden within your heart? Ki to Happiness shares from her bountiful Summer.

Yoga strengthens the connection between the body and the spirit. This innate connection can be disturbed with trauma. Our intention can heal that split.

As I sit in the solitude and quiet of my morning practice, I receive guidance from my spirit as to how to best embody it’s highest values. I also receive feedback about my physical state so I can refine my practices.

What refinement do your practices need? How can you best embody your Highest values? Ki to Happiness intends to stay connected.