Author: Ki McGraw

I was born at the tail end of the baby boom. Lately I’ve been seeing how I share many of the characteristics of my generation. It’s humbling and challenging to stay relevant, keep up with the societal changes and continue to value my skill set.

I witness my older baby boomer husband approaching these issues in his way. I learn from his choices how to improve upon my own. Fortunately the path of Yoga has been around for so long that these issues dissolve into asana, pranayama, meditation and prayer regardless of any demographics.

What generation do you belong to? Can you value the characteristics of it and other generations? Ki to Happiness embraces the timeless path of Yoga and offers it to all generations.

Today’s full super moon, the Hunter’s Moon, occurs just as a visible comet has graced the western skies at sunset. There is a lot of energy wanting to be expressed with fiery intensity, yet it is tempered by a conjunction with Chiron, the wounded healer of the Zodiac. This may suggest we take heed of the warnings to avoid aggression as it is likely to result in more wounding.

This is a good day to avoid pushing, or forcing. It’s well advised for us to keep our own counsel, as others may be less receptive to our expressions. Look at the progress made since the New Moon eclipse 2 weeks ago to avoid impatience.

What progress do you see in the last two weeks? What wounds would you like to avoid reopening? Ki to Happiness uses fiery energy to practice yoga with patience and persistence.

The friendly skies is delivered me safely back to my home in Seattle. I have much to integrate from my homecoming reunion trip. It’s a pleasure to do so with my cats around me, my husband’s efforts to welcome me and the leaves slowly changing on my street.

My morning practices sustain me wherever I am. Today, with muscle memory, it’s as if the practices are doing me.  I get to ride the wave well established in my circuitry to get up, balance my energies, and give thanks for the tools with which to do so.

 Which tools balance your energies? What habits do you ride like a wave? Ki to Happiness uses Hatha Yoga tools among the healing arts that have become habits and rituals.

I return to Seattle with lots of new memories. From my High School Reunion to my Alma Mater, old memories are updated in the light of fresh experiences. My relationships with friends, family and mentors deepened.

All along the way, my practices companion me. Asana grounds me, meditation and prayer stabilize that grounding and prayer shines the light onward. Staying consistent gives my something to count on especially during changes of location, stress and uncertainty.

What companions your travel? Can you stay consistent in your practices during challenges? Ki to Happiness practices yoga wherever, whatever occurs.

My brother and I drove our cars separately in tandem from mom‘s house back to St. Louis. We stopped along the way at a few of our most memorable sites. We drove down the magnificent Grandview Drive with autumn leaves spectacularly bursting their colors on our way to our junior college before hitting the highway.

I peeled off at my designated exit in St. Louis as he continued on to his exit, waving and flashing peace signs at each other. Arriving at my friend’s house, I shared all the pictures of our high school reunion which she could not attend due to other commitments.  We made plans for attending together in five years as we walked her neighborhood and shared the contents of our hearts.

Do you have to be in the same car to feel that you’re traveling with someone?  Do you have to attend the same reunion in order to share your experiences with others? Ki to Happiness honors separateness simultaneously with togetherness.

My brother arrived yesterday so we could have one full day together with mom. As we prepare to depart today, we are all acutely aware of our blessings to have been able to enjoy one another’s company again here at the same address where we all lived together so many years ago. There’s no guarantee that we will have another opportunity.

In such awareness, it is essential to stay grounded. Since all is well that ends well, it is important to recognize that each of us has done our best, to forgive any ways in which our best fell short, and to express gratitude. To stay grounded, I practice Hatha Yoga and look around me at what is here, now: peace, safety and thanksgiving.

What helps you stay grounded? How do you handle transitions? Ki to Happiness breathes consciously with head held high and sends her awareness down the spine, through both legs into the Earth.

My mother and I spent the whole day together without any scheduled events. We enjoyed each other‘s company as we had a late lunch out and ran errands. Returning home, she checked the mail, only to have the mailbox fall apart.

When we are presented with a problem, both of us get right into gear working towards a solution. I reached out to my network for ideas about repair, as did she. Comparing our information, we decided upon getting a new one entirely, and scheduling its installation by one of my associates.

How do you approach problems? Do you hesitate, procrastinate, or get to work finding a solution? Ki to Happiness solves the problems or gets help when needed.

A couple of days ago, my mom invited me to participate in her Grief Group pot luck gathering. I didn’t come prepared with the right attire, so I picked up a little secondhand dress and wore it with my old ballet flats. But first in my overalls and tennis shoes, I cleaned and swept, cooked and did the dishes, set the tables with centerpieces, and straightened up my yurt.

I knew the guests would like to look at my unusual shelter. One by one they toured, then we ate, and everyone left well fed. For some this was the first time for a sit down meal since their dear one passed away.

How willing are you to serve in whatever capacity is asked of you?  What do you require for your preparation? Ki to Happiness prepares for whatever is required by practicing yoga, meditation and prayer, and sometimes a new dress.

On that date, my yurt arrived on my parent’s property. It’s been 14 years of it sheltering me through life’s changes. It has more than fulfilled its purpose, and continues to do so.

Primarily, it has given me a space in which I can continue my early morning practice of yoga, meditation, chanting, and pranayama during my visits. I am able to contain my sounds and scents without infringing upon others. We are able to harmoniously share longer visits with more peaceful interactions due to its affording a healthy boundary.

How do you maintain your practices when you visit family? What might assist you in creating a healthy boundary? Ki to Happiness takes responsibility for the need continue spiritual practices with a healthy boundary.

Seeing my 89-year-old psychotherapeutic mentor yesterday, she took me back to her computer to show me a recent email. It was an invitation to participate in an upcoming conference about making friends with mortality. She said she’s been facing a long list of issues lately that are related to the topic.

I asked her to start at the top of the list. She began with the loss of her drivers license, since she failed to pass the test four times in a row. After hearing the story, I asked her what waselse was on the list only to learn that there was nothing else: all vitals are fine, not on any meds, able to care for herself in her family home of several decades and taking a new interest in the birds in her yard.

How friendly are you with your mortality? How long is your list of issues related to the topic? Ki to Happiness makes friends with mortality daily through the Hatha Yoga practice of Savasana and Shahabadene’s Sufi meditations.