Author: Ki McGraw

After morning practices and Hatha Yoga classes we took a small bike ride up to Maple Leaf Park. In the cloudless cool afternoon, as we entered the park, Mount Rainier stood majestically in view. Breathtaking, it’s splendor made us stop and get off the bikes.

As we lounged on the grass, we looked up at its snowy slopes. Feeling held by the Earth, we let the sun enter our cells as we stripped off our outer layers of clothing. Simple Sunday smiles emerged on our cheeks as we returned home.

Do you love where you live? When’s the last time you let yourself simply bask in the beauty? Ki to Happiness loves Mount Rainier and practices Mountain Pose daily to learn to stand still in the majesty of Presence.

As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. Grandma used to say, when the moon was full, “I see the moon, and the moon sees me”. Mom and I say it to each other in remembrance.

Mom sent me a photo of the moon overlooking her property in the Midwest last night. It’s red rim and pink glow rose above the Illinois River valley, bathing her house and my yurt in its soft light. The miles apart and the years without grandma in the flesh disappeared into our family reunion in spirit.

How do you honor your ancestors? What rituals help you align with them in spirit? Ki to Happiness sees the moon and the moon sees her.

Tonight‘s Full moon is likely to be pink or red. In the sign of Sagittarius, it is likely to bring fiery energy. It is celebrated as the strawberry moon since the red fruits ripen on the vine at this time.

Directing this fiery nature is essential, so it does not backfire. Honoring the intensity, something sweet and strawberry may satisfy. Together with intense philosophical inquiry, rigorous physical practices may serve.

What physical activity appeals to you? How well does your philosophy fit with your ongoing awakening? Ki to Happiness practices Hatha Yoga to unite philosophy with physical movement, integrating body mind spirit.

After teaching in the morning and conducting two full private sessions, I attended Bob’s class at 5:30. Six men and I went through the ritual of Hatha Yoga practice together. In the process, I felt lightness in my body, grace in movements and gratitude for the opportunity to be alive, embodied at this time on the Earth.

I don’t always feel that way in practice. When I do, it lets me know I’m on the right path, with right postures, pranayama and meditations. It reminds me of the Buddhist expression that when the belt fits the belly is forgotten.

What brings you into a state of lightness? What changes in your practices might be necessary? Ki to Happiness is guided by light with lightness as a result.

I dreamt last night of a songbird being shot out of a tree. I awakened to my heart racing in reaction and shock. I felt afraid of it’s irregular rhythm and speed.

The Yuga Sutras teach us to make use of the images that appear in dreams. Working with that practice, I went back into the dream image and saw the bird heal and fly away as if it had a nano nap. My heart returned immediately to regular rhythm, and I slept peacefully again.

Do you remember your dreams? Are you able to work with the sometimes disturbing images that may come up from your subconscious? Ki to Happiness works with dream images without fear.

I had the pleasure and honor of working with a new client yesterday who has come from far away. While respecting confidentiality, I want to say how much I appreciate her sparkling nature. I remember being new in this big city after leaving my small island home long ago.

I was a big fish back there in that small pond. Here I am but a tiny minnow in the enormity of Seattle with many hungry sharks. Either way, we all keep swimming towards the Ocean of Oneness.

How big of fish are you in what size pond? Do you have enough room to swim? Ki to Happiness sparkles as she swims onward.

After our biggest class in our new studio space, Bob and I took a bike ride. When we got to our destination, I discovered my bike lock key missing. We managed to still enjoy our outing, albeit tempered by the lost item.

We retraced our route looking on the pavement on our way back, as I prayed for assistance from St. Anthony. We watched an interesting presentation by Charles Eisenstein, during which I fell into a light hypnotic trance. I stirred with a keen sense of exactly where to go, and I found the keys where they must have fallen from my fanny pack.

What helps you when you’ve lost something? how do you celebrate when you find it? Ki to Happiness asks for help and lets go enough to receive guidance for which she is ever grateful to St. Anthony for providing.

After morning classes, one of our students picked us up and took us to his son’s Vocal Point concert. We have delighted in watching and listening to him grow up. He’s about to go to college, and perhaps let go of his musical talent as he focuses on computer science.

The music they performed from my era explored the dynamics of young love and break ups which they performed with a combination of appropriate awkwardness and grace. It took me back to a simpler time. I’m relieved to have navigated those confusing years long ago, with the songs a tender souvenir.

What childhood talents have you kept alive as you have found your way in the adult world? What souvenirs do you keep from your early forays into romance? Ki to Happiness cherishes the souvenirs and talents that have contributed to becoming who I am today.

As we prepared to set out for our longest bike trip yet, fear put on the mask of irritation. We squabbled a bit over the route on the map app. Tones of voice were questioned.

When we got to our destinations 20 minutes later, safety replaced the mask. We each took responsibility for the irritation. We both acknowledged that riding our bikes is the most dangerous thing we do.

Are you able to see beyond irritation to the fear that is underneath? Can you take responsibility for the fear and find your way to safety? Ki to Happiness replaces fear with safety, by wearing helmets, following the rules of the road and recommended bike routes

We got out our wedding albums to share with the students in our morning class. One of the attendees enjoyed remembering with us our grand day. The photos reminded us of 10 more guests who are still in our lives, if at a great distance.

We took our memories with us as we set out to make some new ones. After class we took a bike ride on our anniversary gifts to each other and hung out near a stream in the sunshine. Returning home, we squeezed in some time for intimacy before the evening class.

How often do you look at your old photos? Who do they make you remember that are a great distance? Ki to Happiness remembers the love of all those photographed, whether they are near or far or no longer with us.