Author: Ki McGraw

Today’s new moon will eclipse the sun totally for a brief time. In our area, we are not likely to see much, especially with the forecasted clouds. Even so many of us have felt the effect during this portal between eclipses.

Once it has passed, we will be able to reflect on all it has brought up until the middle of April with mercury still retrograde. Unprocessed emotions have been coming up and threaten to obscure essential spirit. When we process those feelings, spirit will shine again with renewed vigor.

What unprocessed emotions have been coming up for you? As you bring those feelings to consciousness and release their energy, what intention can you set for your spiritual renewal? Ki to Happiness releases fear and intends to safely shine on.

I tried to change my address on my drivers license yesterday. I got pretty far in the process, then failed. I remembered I had seen a news item indicating that their computers were down statewide.

That awareness freed me from taking it personally. Instead of feeling stressed or like somehow I had done something wrong, I simply realized I need to try on another day. I met the stress challenge and have grown more confident in my ability to interface with technology as a result.

What stress are you facing? Can you depersonalize it? Ki to Happiness evolves as she meets her challenges, one by one.

After feeding my cats, I sat for yoga practice. We saw out our window, a trespasser approaching our building. We heard the sounds of the feet coming up our steps without the buildings front door opening, indicating no entrance. I went out our door, phone in hand, to tell the trespasser to move along.

It took a while, and a 911 call, for me to return to my practice. My watch cats helped me calm back down and restart my day. They are marvelous companions, all different in temperament, yet identical in unconditional and reciprocal love for us, HYC and each other.

What helps you calm down? Who companions your practice? Ki to Happiness restarts her day as many time as necessary.

Hello dear readers. I am attempting to switch devices before my upcoming trip to visit my mom. Let’s see if this works. I wouldn’t want to miss a day with you.

As our community members support their families, we are called upon to help with practices regarding both life and death. I lead my class in a life and death meditation yesterday, which I learned from Shahabadeen, a Sufi mystic. Since learning the practice in 2007, it has been a part of my morning ritual.

The students responded well to the practice. The soul deserves such kindness as preparing for the eventuality for oneself. It brings peace to those who comfort others as well.

Are you willing to practice such kindness? Can you sit with one who is transitioning and offer comfort? Ki to Happiness loves life even as deaths loom.

As we continue a few more days in this portal between lunar and solar eclipses, our students and clients report the effect it is having on them. Old unresolved issues are surfacing and progress is slow. Any attempt to force progress backfires.

I find it helpful to go slowly, walk in nature, and deepen my commitment to Hatha Yoga practices. These basic tools ground me in the present. This too shall pass, and when it does, the unresolved issues may have benefited from slow and steady application to the principles of yoga.

How are these unsettling energies affecting you? Can you make use of the challenges during this eclipse portal? Ki to Happiness breathes consciously with firm and soft postures aligning her will with the Divine.

I learned about the 7.7 earthquake in Taiwan last night. I sent the information immediately to one of our community members who planned to go there soon. Those plans will need to change.

As we remain in the portal between eclipses with mercury retrograde, many plans will require change. It’s so important to not take these issues personally. When upheaval, chaos, and uncertainty occur, staying grounded and impartial will calm the nervous system so the way forward appears.

What helps you stay grounded? How can you best calm your nervous system? Ki to Happiness practices yoga and waits for the way forward to appear.

My mom has informed me that she is taking her first trip since dad passed away. She is venturing out on a boss with a group of others to see Amish country in her area. I’m happy for her as it is evidence of her healthy grieving process.

I’m also happy that she has not taken a trip until now. She has got her legs under her and her feet on the ground during her first year of widowhood. Now she gets to walk her accomplishments around and we will celebrate in person soon during my upcoming visit.

How healthy is your grieving process? What’s the best way to celebrate your survival? Ki to Happiness witnesses her own grief process and celebrates survival with thriving in right timing.

On this day, 12 years ago, I began blogging. I did so to provide some continuity for our community as we transitioned from our old location in the little blue church to our space on University Way. Little did I know that 12 years later I’d be blogging from Pinehurst.

This is a good day for such reflections, as mercury has gone retrograde. Only fools would embark on new projects, especially if they require transportation, communication, or electronics. Instead, it’s a good day to avoid such foolishness in favor of review, redo, and renew, for the next 3 weeks.

What are you reflecting on today? How would you like to use this new month for renewal? Ki to Happiness renews with Hatha Yoga.