Author: Ki McGraw

One of our committed students returned yesterday after several month’s mysterious absence . She arrived late for my beginners class so I didn’t have a chance for a private check in.  She practiced well and stayed to visit.

She shared the good news that her baby was born healthy and strong a couple of months ago. She herself has been been dealing with some postpartum medical issues. With lots of support from family and her medical team, she is able to return to practice and soon we will meet our new community member, her son. 

What do you make up about people when they are mysteriously absent? How do you handle the mystery when they return? Ki to Happiness embraces the mystery and celebrates its resolution in right timing.

The combination of fireworks and hot weather resulted in poor air quality yesterday. Gentle winds cleared the air by nightfall. This morning dawns fresh and bright.

We adjusted our plans to accommodate. After smudging to release any negativity from the last lunar cycle, we shook out all the area rugs, hung them on our railing in the sunshine and got out the fans. We blew away the remnants of the smudge, the smoke, and Junuary as we intend to stay cool and calm through this heat wave.

What air do you need to clear? Can you adjust your plans to accommodate? Ki to Happiness helps clears the air.

The new moon enters the sign of its rulership in Cancer later today. This gives us an opportunity to clean up after the Fourth of July festivities, burn some sage to release any negativity and set intentions for the next month.

Many may be caught off guard in the midst of holiday this time. Don’t forget to align with the energies around us. Get ready for the next month by finishing up anything left over and beginning again, anew for a summertime of family, friends and functional health.

 What do you need to clean up after the festivities yesterday? How can you start fresh even in the midst of your celebrations? Ki to Happiness smudges and starts over in gratitude.

Today we observe our nation’s birthday. By breaking free of England, we set the trajectory towards democracy in a republic. While it is not a perfect system, it continues to inspire others in this direction.

Traveling extensively during my 30s I learned to appreciate the USA more. The blue passport opened the globe for me to learn from other cultures. I am forever grateful for the multiple freedoms our constitution and Bill of Right insure, even as I’ve integrated the blessing from experiencing other forms of government.

What do you appreciate about the USA? How will you celebrate today? Ki to Happiness offers private sessions and yoga classes independent of fireworks or BBQs.

There are many daily habits I have cultivated in my life. Slow and steady practice is advised by the yoga sutras for progress along the path. Following those recommendations has resulted in balanced energy moving me forward as an agent of service to the One in All. 

In addition to brushing and flossing my teeth, I pray in my bathtub surrounded by crystals, amplifying my intentions, following my morning rituals of chanting mantra, Pranayama, meditation, and asana as well as writing, walking later in the day. I’ve decided to add another daily practice so that I improve my guitar skills.  My wrist is healed enough that I can resume playing, I’ve got a new instrument, and an ongoing desire to accompany myself to sing the praises of what’s good and right.

What would you like to get better at? Can you find time to consistently practice? Ki to Happiness constantly practices slow and steady effort to a principle as recommended by the sutras.

Recently, the issue of gift giving reemerged in a private session. The recipient of a generous gift is hearing that the gift giver is talking negatively about her, “after all (I’ve) given”, as if there were strings attached. No exchange or strings were ever agreed to.

This points out the importance of being absolutely clear about gifts. Once they are given freely, the recipient is to do whatever is desirable-use, regift, store or recycle. Free from conditions, the love that was intended in the gift can be received. 

How free are the gifts you give? How open are you to receiving love? Ki to Happiness remembers all that we give, we give to ourselves.

Our new month starts with a new week. Summer’s freshness abounds. USA’s birthday is just around the corner.

Yoga offers us tools with which to celebrate our independence responsibly. As we align our bodies and breathe consciously, we become free of conditioned reactions so we can consciously choose our responses. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali refer to this responsibility as the great obligation

How well do you balance freedom with responsibility? Can you embrace the great obligation? Ki to Happiness chooses independence from unconscious conditioning with the conscious ability to respond (responsibility).

After teaching classes yesterday morning, I walked to a neighbor’s yard sale. I wanted to support the young kids who were letting go of some of their stuff along with their elders. I found a homemade chakra bracelet, lip gloss and two white sundresses to purchase.

Walking home with my items, I smiled, mentally rehearsing wearing these items when Junuary ends. I imagined what those kids might do with their $8. I never have that thought when I purchase retail, discount, or thrift. 

Are you ready for Junuary’s end?  In preparing for Independence Day what simple purchases might make you and others smile? Ki to Happiness thanks Junuary for its blessings and welcomes July.

Our landlords have come through for us. They gave permission for the property managers to install a new fridge. It arrived yesterday and is quietly doing its job now.

When we first moved in nearly 2 years ago, I noticed the loud sound the fridge cyclically made. I was concerned that it wouldn’t last long, becoming a problem which it did. Now that it is all resolved, I look forward to laying in some more summertime supplies without concern of melting or spoiling. 

When problems are resolved, how quickly can you celebrate? Can you let go of the story to embrace the resolution? Ki to Happiness celebrates with cool drinks and frozen nondairy deserts.

I returned to pay Dr. Wang for herbs and the acupuncture treatment I’d already received.  Arriving in his parking lot, I noticed four broken planes of glass in his windows that weren’t there the day before. He greeted me warmly, heard about my improvements from his treatment and took my money.

As he shared with me the way the windows had been broken, we waited together for the cops to come. They were busy with nine of the other store fronts that also suffered property damage. In compassion for this business owner, healer and neighbor, I paid in advance for future treatments to offset the trauma and loss of being victimized. 

How safe is your neighborhood?  How can you best support those who help you? Ki to Happiness extends safety to those helpers who are in need.