Author: Ki McGraw

Underpinning the path of Yoga are the sacred texts of the Sutras and Upanishads. Both were committed to writing after an undefined length of their being conveyed through the oral tradition of memorization. They have stood the test of time and continue to hold value in our modern era.

 Many translations are available for both scriptures. My favorite is Eknath Easwaran’s interpretation as his introduction to the Upanishads is personal and profoundly moving. A member of our community reminded me of this lifetime favorite as she’s found herself enthralled.

What are your favorite lifetime reads? Have you exposed yourself to the underpinnings of the yogic path? Ki to Happiness reads, respecting those who’ve gone before us on the path, shining their Light ahead of us.

I returned from my dental appointment just as Bob came back from Target. Our cleaning assistant was busily still on the job so we decided to go off together. We turned our bikes around and went to a nearby pocket park.

Our simple, spontaneous date reminded me of the many times we have gone off together on foot or on bike. The perfect weather hosted us as we checked in about our separate adventures. We returned to a clean studio, a new toaster oven from Bob’s shopping and improved oral health as we settled in for evening yoga class.

How spontaneous are you? What constitutes a date for you? Ki to Happiness delights in spontaneity as well as planned dates, simple or elaborate, as long as they don’t interfere with yoga.

While I was visiting my mother this summer, I heard from our neighbor that a disabled vehicle and its disturbed driver had taken up residence on our cul-de-sac. After a month of multiple efforts to get the man to remove the vehicle, it was towed away yesterday. Its removal revealed the trash that the man dumped all around the area.

With that disturbance gone, there’s one more spot available for students to park. We are able to be less vigilant about that man’s unpredictable behavior. Classes continue with greater safety and cleanliness.

What did you release during the eclipse? What has been revealed with it removed? Ki to Happiness appreciates parking enforcement towing the disabled car and the resulting safety and cleanliness that has replaced it.

The new moon in Aquarius eclipses the Leo sun today. This is an invitation to set intentions for the next month after reflecting on the growth and progress of summer. It welcomes recalibration especially as related to personal habits, letting go of those no longer needed.

I’ve prepared by recycling a few items that have served their purpose. After four years here, we have a greater understanding of our space. Freed from objects that are no longer valuable, the open space warrants an energetic clearing for repurposing in alignment with Higher Guidance.

What growth and progress have you witnessed this summer? What do you need to let go of to improve your habits in your space? Ki to Happiness releases the previously valued to make room for the precious as guided by Spirit.

Yesterday‘s classes were well attended by an assortment of international students. The freshly watered garden and petal strewn path welcomed them in. Our clear air and perfect temperatures filled the environment with summer’s blessings.

Those in attendance represented Japan, Mexico, Ukraine, India, Nigeria, Kenya, and The Netherlands. Everyone got along, helped each other out in partners postures, and enjoyed the benefits of yoga together. Another regular day at HYC, like has been the case for nearly 50 years concluded with free apples from our near tree.

Where do you experience international gatherings? Is that a special event or a daily occurrence? Ki to Happiness honors the extraordinary in the ordinary.

When Jerry Garcia passed away 31 years ago, the Grateful Dead and all of us Deadheads stopped in our tracks. It’s never been the same without him. This year, Bob Weir exited this earthly realm, too, joining Donna Godchaux, Brett Midland, Pig Pen, Phil Lesh, and Keith Godchaux.

Those of us who were able to see them live are all blessed with our memories. Their hippie dreams of communal living, back to the land, and higher consciousness continue. Whether we continue to listen to their music or those who cover the Grateful Dead, the music is alive in all of us.

What inspired your dreams of higher consciousness? How do you keep that dream alive? Ki to Happiness thanks all the hippies who caused a social revolution for us all to enjoy greater freedom and with it, greater responsibility for our choices. 

Our community member has returned safely to her home in New Zealand. She sent a picture of herself after her yoga class there, wearing the fuchsia outfit which I gifted her on her departure. It highlights her cuteness and gave her a lift as she recovers from her trip.

During her time with us, she dubbed HYC’s upcoming 50 year anniversary as “ The Jubilee”. She plans to return to celebrate with us next Memorial Day. We are beginning to make our plans and hope you can join us.

 How do you stay connected to others at a distance? How do you draw them close for special celebrations? Ki to Happiness gives the clothes off her back and ample notice.

Some call Saturdays “Caturday” in celebration of all things feline. Today is special for cats, large and small, as it is International Cat Day. It lands on Lions Gate this year, which is a numerological observation of the date 8/8, and its symbolic representation of infinity, eternity and an energetic portal into that perspective.

As we keep most of our celebration private, we share with our community clean filtered air, cat posture, and meditations on the portal of infinite possibilities. We cherish our 3 indoor cats, (all are rescues), and tend to the strays who refuse to be rescued. We feel rescued by them all, including the dozens we’ve cared for around the world.

On this Saturday, will you lounge in a sun spot, eat some favorite treats, groom and play? Can you open to the possibility of living your best life, like a cat or a lion? Ki to Happiness pets and purrs the potential for all furry ones to love and be loved.

This morning, our air quality is better. We are fortunate to look forward to clearing skies as the day progresses. Class attendance has held steady as students become more confident in this HYC environment.

The heat remains. And yet we stay cool enough inside with our fans for all practices. We are grateful for all that is clearing and improving.

Have you maintained your practice during this fire season? What practices might you resume with this greater clearing? Ki to Happiness  continues practices as usual with a shift towards more pranayama. 

With the windows closed and the air purifier on, students practiced the cooling breath of Crow Beak pranayama. Together with the fans in the studio, all were safe and comfortable enough. We will use that approach again today.

The air quality reminds me of my times in India. Practicing yoga in the mother country had me using the same breath to deal with poor air quality and heat. I’m grateful to have the additional help from our air purifier which I didn’t have there.

Do you know how to use your breath to cool down? Can you change your practices when you need to heat up? Ki to Happiness calls upon the many diverse yoga practices as needed in every environment and condition.