Author: Ki McGraw

In May, when the last of the spring rains dumped on us, our ceiling leaked in 3 places. We did our very best to get property management on the job. It took them until yesterday to finish up.

The rains returned to us yesterday at about 145. A few sprinkles, and then a real downpour tested the repair. We are safe and dry inside, as it appears that their efforts occurred just in time.

Are you safe and dry inside? Have you prepared well for this seasonal shift? Ki to Happiness is relieved that we’ve gotten what we need just in time

Cool weather with a promise of rain is predicted for this first day of Fall. Perfect timing and I am in sync. As I teach this morning, we will salute this new season.

I enjoyed the last full day of summer with a spectacular bike ride. I lingered a while in the sunshine, noting the sun’s arc lower in the sky. I put away the summer weight bedding and snuggled into fresh warmer blankets at night,

Do you feel in sync with the seasonal shift? What rituals might help you let go of the beautiful summer and embrace the cooler, wetter, darker time ahead? Ki to Happiness embraces the Fall with heartfelt exhalations.

Today is the last full day of summer. We come into the autumnal equinox in the middle of the night while we are sleeping. Enjoying the beautiful warm clear day with gratitude and appreciation is in my agenda.

This is the time of balance between light and dark. This balance in the outer realm may facilitate a sense of balance within. It also may point out what needs to be re-balanced for the season ahead.

How balanced are you feeling? What needs to be re-balanced as you contemplate the months of darkness coming? Ki to Happiness welcomes Autumn with gratitude for the many blessings of the Summer.

Thank you for understanding my need for brevity during two days of unscheduled self care. Fasting, Epson salt treatment soaks and miso broth have cleansed my system. I’ve fortified myself with bubur, a rice porridge I learned to make in Bali as well as a special citrus soup.

At the 48 hour mark, my health rebounded. I celebrate my immune system and the self care practices I’ve learned over the years. My eyes now see with the eyes of Hafiz who says “ my life, what a bargain. I think I’ll buy it.”

How do you take care of yourself? When you do, how does your life look to you? Ki to Happiness looks at her life through fresh eyes with rebounding health.

I’m taking another self-care day. I encourage you all to do the same anytime you need to.

This morning I need to take care of myself. I’ll blog more later.

Slowly the maple trees on our street show their true colors. Bright red replaces the chlorophyll green of summer. Soft rain washes their faces, so all is fresh as we head toward summer’s end.

As I deadhead the flowers on our deck, I reflect on their having graced our entrance all season long. I love how removing one blossom that has spent its beauty, fragrance and seed leaves room for more to replace it. Nature’s cycles teach us much.

How will you observe this last week of summer? What do you need to deadhead? Ki to Happiness dances to Nature’s rhythm.

Our private retreatment concludes his week with us today. How ever long any retreat lasts, about midway through the participant generally hits a snag. Persisting in the process without forcing, deep lessons can be learned for progress, change and integration.

Every step on the path of yoga is to be celebrated. We will honor this process by having a small brunch buffet following the morning classes. All is well that ends well, which is our intention with his send off.

How do you honor your progress? What needs to be celebrated? Ki to Happiness honors another’s progress and celebrates with a good ending.

The Jewish calendar celebrates the new year of 5784. In Bali, I learned their usage of an entirely different measure of time resulting in multiple calendars. Only the priests could tell you exactly how they worked.

Whatever the day, the time, the year, I have learned to respect others and our individual differences. I hold the freedom to celebrate our own traditions as sacred. This democracy was founded on that principle which I continue to honor.

Have you spent time benefiting from other cultures? What have you learned that broadens your compassionate heart? Ki to Happiness celebrates our cultural differences with tolerance in the Eternal Now.

Along with the new moon energy, the planet Mercury has stationed direct. in the process, there can be a bit of confusion about which way we are going This may create interruptions and a bit of confusion as to whether we are heading forward or backward.

I find it empowering to know about these subtle influences, so I don’t take any of the present circumstances personally. Instead of trying to force progress, I find it helpful to breathe and slow down. Without trying to force the river, I am more able to float on its surface and enjoy to movement toward the Ocean of Oneness.

Have you been experiencing setbacks amidst progress? Can you stop trying to force your will on circumstances, and allow these energies to develop? Ki to Happiness slows down and breathes.