Author: Ki McGraw

On a great morning such as this when I sit into my simple practices and breathe, a smile arises from deep within. My eyes soften with moisture. In my inner ear I hear my mother’s voice saying “marvelous”.

I share this tender moment with you to encourage you to keep going. Keep letting go of what does not serve you so that you can embrace what does. Look for times and spaces in which smiles lift your lips without an outside stimulus and your mother’s love for life comes up from the depths of your consciousness.

When was the last time you smiled for no apparent reason? What word bubbles up from deep inside the well of you being with that smile? Ki to Happiness marvels at Us.

The great psychiatrist Carl Jung stated that our ego wakes up 45 minutes after we arise. Whatever we do in those first 45 minutes sets patterns for the whole day. In this way he confirms what spiritual teachers have always recommended, which is to engage in consciousness practices first thing.

As I practice balanced breathing in my first 45 minutes each early morning, I establish the desired pattern of being mentally and emotionally balanced all day long. From a balanced perspective I make better choices for myself. One day builds on the next, deepening and keepening choices that bring me peace to offer to the world in which I serve.

What do you do first thing? Can you find time for conscious breathing by yourself? Ki to Happiness breathes in and out for 10 heartbeats anytime she needs to dip back into her truest intention- to serve as an instrument of peace.

I awaken to the remnants of last night’s well attended class. A left behind water bottle, Bob’s cell phone with it’s square attached, and my tights over on the prop cart all remind me of the joy we all shared. Settling into my practice, the cats and I looked out at the fog in amazement. Then another cat’s face appeared at our window.

Hissing and the vocalizations of their boundary dispute slowed my progress. Frequent interruptions from the four felines didn’t deter me. Instead, I thought it best to let this cat see what we do here in the morning, just in case she becomes a regular.

How do you handle distractions during your practice time? Can you utilize your practices to deal with the distractions? Ki to Happiness witnesses her reaction to distractions which helps her do so when not practicing.

In the unseasonable warmth, I took a walk exploring our new area alone. Chanting, I passed by a nice green space where I’ll walk another time with Bob. As my chanting concluded, I arrived at my nearest hardware store about a mile away.

I entered it as if it were a time capsule. Hardware stores always take me back to growing up in my grandfather’s basement which he organized with aisles and shelves filled with tools and materials to care for our family’s humble life. When I lived on Kauai, my first yoga studio required a lot of trips to the hardware store to bring it back from the damaging hurricane Iniki, repairing my soul as well as the floor, the walls and windows.

Do you have places that are like time capsules for you? What part of your soul do you retrieve there? Ki to Happiness retrieves her resilience and work ethic in aisle 18 with new house numbers and a fresh mailbox.

I slept well as the cats and I have worked out our rhythms. They no longer insist on me getting up at 3:30 for feeding. Instead they come close by and rest as they wait for me like they used to before this big move 2 months ago.

This morning, as I open my eyes I noticed the lights on which illuminates my statue of archangel Michael. I didn’t realize cats had the ability to turn on switches. If not them, it’s completely mysterious as to who turned the light on.

When faced with mystery, what do you make up? Can you allow yourself to embrace the many things you do not yet understand? Ki to Happiness loves the mystery and Whoever turned the light on.

There’s the old joke about how to get to Carnegie hall. The punchline as many of us know is practice, practice, practice. It is funny, because it’s unexpected, simple and true.

With yoga, there is no Carnegie Hall to get to. Instead there is peace, serenity, and the bliss of accepting life on life‘s terms. The directions are still the same: practice, practice, practice.

How is your practice? Is there a need to start to practice, continue, or adjust it to meet the ever changing needs of life? Ki to Happiness practices daily, first thing, midday, in the evening as well as in between as needed.

I awaken this morning from deep long sleep. I had no dreams to disturb me. Hungry cats waited patiently for me to arise.

Refreshed and rejuvenated, I sit in my practice of mantra, pranayama, meditation and prayer pain-free, clear of head, with an open loving heart. I am content and peaceful on this last day of September. This is my choice.

Are you content and peaceful? How does September end for you? Ki to Happiness chooses well.

Washing away the smoke from the air and the ashes from the leaves, gentle rain fell yesterday. Our first rain of autumn brought with it the uplifting scent of renewal. I walked out into it and let it sprinkle my head, hair and face.

Elsewhere, hurricane Ian pounds Florida. Russia and the Ukraine exchange atrocities. From my space of renewal I send prayers for peace and protection outward.

What prayers can you send out today? Are you in need of renewal yourself or can you offer your attention to others? Ki to Happiness has been blessed by the first gentle rain of the season and offers her attention to others in greater need.

Today is my dad‘s birthday. At age 97, he still lives at home with mom as his home health care workers attend to him. He appreciates them, he loves my mom, their house, and the Bears.

The list of things he once loved stretched from his heart to the moon and back. An avid hunter and fisherman, elite athlete, captain of industry, international real estate investor, father of 4, grandfather of 4, great grandfather of 4 or 5, his epic life has been rich and full. He still enjoys it and offers his sweet smooth peacefulness to all he encounters.

What will you be like when you’re 97? What can you do today to grow in that direction? Ki to Happiness is growing herself into being a healthy, happy and peaceful elder with each yoga practice.

When I move my body consciously with a full breath I become more present to my circumstances. When I first experienced yoga in a class as a 9 year old, I felt equal to all the others in class. Over 50 years later, I have the consistent experience of feeling more present to myself and equal to others as I practice.

When I employ particular breathing practices for specific purposes, I am empowered in the awareness that I am free to choose my breathing pattern and with it, my mind. Quieting my mind with meditation, I receive guidance regarding all situations. My yoga, may be yours, too, without a brand or a gimmick.

What helps you feel present, empowered, and equal to others? How do you quiet your mind and receive guidance? Ki to Happiness soothes her soul by practicing yoga.