Author: Ki McGraw

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.

We approach full moon on Monday and fall on Tuesday. It feels like it’s already arrived here today, with winds and rain. Time for warm food and extra blankets.

I change with the weather. I like how my push-ups warm up my body. Looking forward to sharing with you some of the delights of the season as we transition.

How are you with the changes? Are you able to adapt easily? Ki to Happiness loves sweater weather.

In my practice is this morning, the building began to shake. I looked at our major entrances and found the source of the disturbance. We were encamped on by homeless neighbors. One of whom violently struck and kicked our glass doors to attempt to break in again.

As the construction workers began to arrive to their office in our building, I greeted them and congratulated them for making it in. When they got both entrances free again, we shared a fist bump. My breathing returned to balance and gratitude upwelled.

Are you getting enough fist bumps? How fast can you regain balance and gratitude once it’s been disturbed? Ki to Happiness recovers faster and faster with lots of practice.

Yesterday one of our members of the push-up challenge let me know he dropped out. This morning I pushed on without him. When I was posting, I did my tricep dips. In the mirror reflection I saw myself on camera doing push-ups and in person doing tricep dips.

This gave me a chance to integrate both aspects of myself. Strengthening my front and my back as a contribution, I join the two together. With or without any one particular other, I live my commitments.

How are you doing with your commitments? Are you able to stay in integrity? Ki to Happiness integrates.

I started my morning certain it was Thursday. I had in mind my appointments and my teaching schedule. I sat into my practice and laughed. It’s Wednesday!

Delighted to learn I have an extra day of life to live, I sucked the juice out of my practice. Each aspect seemed refreshed and clear. Gratitude does that. It seems to change the aperture our eyes so we are able to take in more light.

How are you doing on this extra day of life? What will you give your energy to? Ki to Happiness is celebrating Hump Day anew.