Author: Ki McGraw

One of our students attended class on his 46th birthday. He wanted to do 108 Sun Salutations, but the others weren’t ready for that. I proposed 46 to celebrate each year of his life, and offered alternative practices if they were needed.

Everyone successfully completed the practice. We integrated the other students’ requests into the remainder of class. All were safely served and each exceeded their expectations of themselves.

When’s the last time you have exceeded your expectations?  Did you do so safely or was there a negative consequence? Ki to Happiness releases expectations to embrace what Is.

Sometimes we can anticipate stress, but most often it appears as a surprise. Either way, it helps to make use of the tools provided by Hatha Yoga to reset the nervous system. Once we witness our reaction, we can pause, breathe and respond consciously.

Conscious breathing reminds us that we have agency. Gentle physical movements after the stress has passed remind us that we are safe again. Looking around in one’s environment and naming particular objects helps to orient us in the present moment, free from lions in the jungle or wolves at the door.

How do you mitigate stress in your life? Can you remember to use your Hatha Yoga tools to breathe, stay present and embodied? Ki to Happiness recovers ASAP from stress with Hatha Yoga.

I got a bunch of spring bulbs to plant this fall. Unfortunately, most of what I selected of my favorites are all squirrel bait. Researching, I’ve learned what I should get instead when I return the highly desirables.

In addition to selecting the right bulbs, it is also advised that squirrels are given plenty of other food to eat. As usual, the combined approaches is likely to have the best effect. Consistently, working on both ends of an issue yield better results.

What are both ends of your present issue? What can you remove and what’s the best replacement? Ki to Happiness stops baiting the wrong energies to cultivate beauty and harmony.

I met Jack, our studio manager’s 5 week old grandson. He gurgled and groaned as he wiggled on my lap at the HYC altar. Together, we cooed at his cuteness and took turns cuddling him as I presented a few small gifts, welcoming him to our world, our studio, and our community.

As the second grandchild, he’s gotten less attention than his big brother. I’m sure he’ll catch up in time and get all he needs. Grandmother will make sure, even as she continues to manage HYC and tend to the rest of her responsibilities.

When is the last time you held an infant? Did it remind you of the preciousness of life? Ki to Happiness appreciates HYC’s youngest member.

One of our students arrived to class yesterday, excited and delighted by what he saw on his way. Urban Artworks Seattle had a team painting a mural on their new perimeter wall. Now it provides a secure boundary as well as inspirational beauty.

I tried to do something like that at our last location but met complete resistance. 13 years later, I’m delighted to see the manifestation of that desire at this location. Miracles occur in their own time and place.

What miracle have you been waiting for? Can you let go and allow things to develop in their right timing and placing? Ki to Happiness cultivates the eyes to see miracles develop, replacing grievances with gratitude.

The death of one of our community members abroad necessitated my contacting others there. We spoke on WhatsApp as the miles and years apart disappeared. Reuniting, we honored the passing of our dear one.

Another friend from far away also reached out in need of assistance. Together we resolved a complex situation. Releasing the tension required to find a solution, I walked and chanted mantra after Bob’s yoga class.

What issues are you dealing with far away? What can you do right where you are to help? Ki to Happiness works with what is nearby to serve those far away.

As summer comes to conclusion and fall begins to crisp up the air, it’s both hot and cold at the same time. Walking, we wear layers so with clouds and wind one moment and sunbreaks the next, we shift. Sometimes we need to keep one arm covered in the shade but expose the one in the sun.

This approach enables us to appreciate the beauty of nature, care for our body, and “reconcile the irreconcilable” as our Sufi meditation teacher Pir Vilayat Kahn proposes. Learning to hold a unitive perspective, witnessing internal division, and choosing to align with the Totality is a practice. Practice makes perfect in this perfectly imperfect world.

How do you reconcile the irreconcilables in your life? What practices will assist you in aligning with the Totality? Ki to Happiness practices Hatha Yoga.

I heard from my good friend on Guam that another of our yoga sisters there passed away. In talking with her, I learned that her life long best friend also just passed away. While the expression“come in threes” came up for me, I was still surprised to find out immediately afterwards that one of my classmates had also died.

I sent my condolences and let myself breathe consciously as I set up to teach my classes. I expressed my appreciation for all who attended. Together we shared the yoga path a while, recognizing that none of us know how long we’ll get to, and wanting to make the most of our lives while we can.

Are you familiar with the expression regarding bad news “comes in threes”? Have you experienced all three in one day? Ki to Happiness sends condolences, breathes, continues on the path.

With the most recent astrological energies concluding, those of us who’ve done the work are in for an even greater challenge. Receiving the bounty of blessings such deep soul scouring deserves will test our ability to open up. Resetting our neuromuscular system away from fight or flight, trauma and drama, intensive healing, and helping others may feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

Hatha Yoga tools will continue to serve us through breath, posture and intention. Full deep breathing with head held high so the heart opens to its truest desire will ground the new reality into manifestation. We are up for this challenge, to have come so far and arrive Here Now.

How comfortable are you with receiving? Can you breathe freely and deeply with your head held high and your heart wide open, even though it may be unfamiliar? Ki to Happiness is comfortable through yoga practices with the uncomfortable moments.

Today’s date represents a portal into a new level of consciousness. The ninth day of the ninth month in the year 2025 (2+0+2+5=9) ushers in the energy of completion. Letting go of body, mind and spirit devision from the past, we have an opportunity to integrate.

Our integrated self can join with all others who’ve similarly chosen to utilize this opportunity. Together, we form an energetic bridge for all to cross, ever toward the One. Leaving behind fearful fragmentation, we unite in this Heaven on Earth.

What have you let go of? What would you like to replace it with? Ki to Happiness lets go of fear and lets it fill with the safety of peace that is always, already Here Now.