Author: Ki McGraw

We attended mom‘s new church yesterday. The humble servants who minister to the congregation are great examples of regular humans doing extraordinary things. Just 1 mile up mom’s country road, she can conveniently plug into this community weekly or even more often.

I contrast that with the complexity and controversy of watching the Barbie movie with mom. Few joyful sounds issued forth from the screen or the audience as issues of matriarchy v. patriarchy, reality v. fantasy, old v. young were portrayed. At the end of the day, I recalled the exuberance of singing praise, willingly shaking strangers’ hands, and soulful shouts from the congregation as more appealing than the silent separate viewing in the theater.

What moves you to make joyful sound? Where do you witness regular human beings acting in extraordinary ways? Ki to Happiness follows what appeals to her soul.

I got my haircut yesterday by my mom’s stylist. I thought he might know someone I used to work with when I was a teen. After I got my towel and cape on, I asked him if he knew my former coworker by name.

He looked at me in shock and disbelief as he called out to his only other client in the salon. He had me repeat my question to her as both of their jaws dropped and eyebrows raised. Yes, not only did they both know him quite well, but they’d just been talking about him before I arrived.

Do you make sense of such coincidences by saying it’s a small world? Or maybe disregard it by saying it’s a small town? Ki to Happiness sees a small separation between people who are truly connected.

Mom wanted to go to the opening night of the epic movie, Oppenheimer. We got our tickets and arrived early for good seats, knowing we’d be in them for 3 hours. Absolutely spectacular and dramatic, we sat at attention as the story unfolded it’s complicated web.

Some have reported that seeing the movie changed their lives. While that was not our experience, it did give us deeper appreciation for the lives we live although the Barbie moviegoers looked like they had a better time than we did as we exited the multiplex. I’m not sure that’s what Oppenheimer intended the result of his efforts to become: safe and free enough to wear pink stilettos and spray tan.

How will you participate in this Summer’s blockbusters? What gives you deeper appreciation for your life? Ki to Happiness is grateful to accompany mom to the movie of her choice.

I saw a post advertising an old friend’s band playing a concert at a nearby venue where I once performed. I planned to meet with another friend there. As I arrived, my former mentor and supervisor saw me and got me to join her in line.

I escorted her to her seat where another old colleague greeted us. I thrilled at the coincidental convergence of my old friends and associates from college, internship, employment and private practice enjoying some Grateful Dead together. The decades disappeared into the gift of the present synchronicity.

Where could you run into four friends from decades ago? How comfortable would that reunion be? Ki to Happiness smiles and shakes her head at the coincidental convergence of the 5 of us at the same place at the same time.

I awakened this morning to receive photographs from the Hatha Yoga Center team who participated in the Mapleleaf ice cream social. Smiling faces, sunshine and our booth represented us well at the event. All literature that was taken there for distribution didn’t return.

Without me, all came off without a hitch. Success did not require my presence. Only my applause and gratitude for a job well done which I share with you, dear reader.

Can you step back and let others do for you? How willing are you to applaud their efforts, if not perfect? Ki to Happiness lets go, lets God and applauds.

After the fabulous birthday weekend celebrating my mother, I drove to my alma mater to see some old friends and mentors. Arriving into town, the corners of my lips lifted with my cheeks puffing up into a simple smile. I turned on the turn signal , then stopped myself before proceeding into the intersection.

Muscle memory had me wanting to turn into the first place I lived here 43 years ago. In correcting myself, I marveled at my body holding my history in such a blatant display. I drove on to my correct destination nearby, with my whole body smiling.

What memories do your muscles remember? How often do you access that muscle memory? Ki to Happiness remembers and smiles.

Over a lifetime of collecting tidbits of helpful ideas, I learned that making seven mistakes a day is a sign of growth. Instead of chastising myself when I make an error, I reframe it in this perspective. Evolving and changing requires a willingness to make mistakes and clean them up, apologizing and learning in the process.

This morning I made three mistakes already in posting. I must be growing a lot as it’s not even 8am yet. Four more to go….

How do you handle making mistakes? Can you apologize to others and yourself, forgiving the mistakes and learning the lessons? Ki to Happiness apologizes, forgives and learns.

Mom‘s birthday party made everyone laugh. Seattle hot dogs were a hit with roasted veggies. Mini cupcakes from award-winning Jilly’s gave tiny bites of celebration.

My brother and I reflected on our good times as we took out the trash after loading the dishwasher. He departs today as I resume private sessions at a distance. He’ll drive back through the dystopian, smoky air with plenty fresh memories of our times together.

How do you measure a good birthday party? What ingredients are necessary for success? Ki to Happiness measures the amount of laughter and smiles of those gathered as an indicator of success.

Celebrating my mom’s birthday, my brother drove us up from St. Louis. We were fully loaded with cupcakes, flowers, balloons, and gift baskets. Upon arrival, the package I had sent in advance I opened so I could present her birthday gift.

Just as we presented all these tokens to her, my good friend arrived with dinner for us all. We enjoyed each other‘s company and the festivities, concluding with just the right movie. Neither mom, nor our girlfriend had seen The Old Guard which puts aging and purpose in a higher light.

How do you honor the one who has given you life? What are the most appropriate ways to celebrate? Ki to Happiness honors and celebrates daily with texts and delights in having a chance to party with her in person.

Driving through the streets of my birthplace, a host of memories come back to me. Each has contributed to my totality in one way or another. I honor my past as I bring it into focus in the present.

The parochial school and Catholic Church I attended are about to become a B and B. Each turn of a corner brings up for me what used to stand in the place of the new developments. I cherish the movie that runs inside my mind of people and places no longer with us as I reflect with these people who are present, making new memories of new places along the way.

When’s the last time you had a trip down memory lane? Can you use the experience to self validate your recall independent of the people and places who were once there? Ki to Happiness self validates.