Author: Ki McGraw

This morning‘s meditation has been shrouded by ice fog. My candles illuminate my altar as I sit with one cat on my lap, and practice pranayama. Preparing myself for the day ahead, I intend to stay warm and grateful as I serve others.

Starting each day in this way, whatever the weather, allows me to compose myself. Balancing my breath and my emotions, I clear the fog of sleep and access the inner fire. Gratitude for everything that brought me to these practices replaces the chilly obfuscation of life before aligning with my Higher Self.

What warms your soul and clears your head? Can you choose those things every day? Ki to Happiness composes herself.

We got some urgent mail yesterday for our son. I let him know via dm and he decided to come by and pick it up. He respectfully checked with our schedules and came after his workday.

Immediately he opened the mail and shared with us transparently that all is well. No surprises, despite the red stamp and threatening envelope. Relieved, he stayed for tea as we all visited.

How grateful are you for normal? Do you love surprises? Ki to Happiness loves normal, no surprises necessary.

I have come to appreciate cyber tools and have learned to respect and utilize them. On this Cyber Monday, I thank all those who created them and distributed them to us for our convenience. I avoid the addictive quality like I learned to turn off the TV.

My grandfather called it the “boob tube”. While others used to watch the TV, I would turn toward them and watch them watch. I learned that these devices can dis regulate our nervous systems so I make sure I take responsibility for my own regulation.

Do you use cyber devices or are you being used by them? Can you take responsibility for regulating your nervous system or you pray to those who would rather do that for you for their own advantage? Ki to Happiness watches and learns responsibly.

As we welcome December, we do so with the new moon still upon us. In case you didn’t emerge from your Thanksgiving celebrations in time to observe this fresh energy, you get another chance today.  Integrating the best of one holiday may help you have an even better next holiday.

We feasted with our 32 year-old son. I had too much pie, so my self correction is to be more mindful next feast. With that intention, I turn the calendar page to December, delighted with all that this year has brought me for which I am grateful.

What would you like to correct about yourself? Can you set that in intention? Ki to Happiness corrects her self intentionally.

Today’s new moon gives us a chance to set our intention for a magical holiday season. Some of us avoided the black Friday consumer holiday in favor of creatively expressing ourselves in the new white Friday movement. I got creative in the kitchen, preparing a feast to share with our son today, and expressed myself musically with chanting and playing guitar.

As I teach classes I’ll play the music and warm the foods. The students will hear and smell some of those efforts, inspiring their own. In these ways, I intend to set the stage for Hatha Yoga Center and our community to have happy, creative and peaceful holidays.

What is your intention for the next month? How can you align with your truest desire today on this new moon to set that into motion? Ki to Happiness makes offerings of sound and scent to create an atmosphere of peace and joy.

While others are madly consuming on this shopping holiday, others have begun a movement to create. White Friday is a good day to make stuff, using skills and abilities. Paintings, clothing, crafting, singing, are some ways you may be moved to share.

In doing so, our Thanksgiving spirit continues to expand outward. To give of ourselves in humble and homey ways may brighten this season more than store bought items. Utilizing our talents could enhance them and encourage others to do the same.

What would you like to create? Can you let yourself make the mess and risk sharing your creativity with others? Ki to Happiness offers simple gifts to the world.

I wish all of my readers a very happy Thanksgiving. Friends, family, students, clients, and all my helpers contribute to my life daily in ways known and unknown. Focusing on my many blessings keeps me with the attitude of gratitude as a lifestyle.

I get to teach my 10 AM class and enjoy the rest of the day in my chosen ways. Our larger studio space is clean and ready to serve all who attend. Our simple fare of stuffed acorn squash, pumpkin soup and baked potatoes await our feast.

Do you count your blessings every day? Can you begin today? Ki to Happiness cultivates the attitude of gratitude with her gratitude journal.

I awakened this morning from a dream in which I found protection behind a huge tree from whatever threatened me. The experience means that on my subconscious level, I am grounded, rooted, growing, and protected. I am forever grateful for all that has brought me to this safety, free from fear.

The yoga sutras of Patanjali state that dream interpretation is one of many ways to become enlightened. By contemplating images revealed in dreams and dreamless sleep, we attain higher consciousness. With each smile, I spread the limbs of safe shelter and deep roots to ground this wisdom.

 What images are revealed in your dreams or dreamless sleep? Can you contemplate the meaning of those images? Ki to Happiness is grateful for all the many ways to attain higher consciousness.

My most recent Ayurvedic treatment included steam applied to one specific nerve path. Removing inflammation from it left me wiped out. After a good night sleep, I feel renewed and balanced at a deep constitutional level.

Unusual benefits arise in other parts of my body.  Far from the site of treatment, other little cranky areas stabilize and heal. Supporting the body with gentle natural approaches allow it to respond in surprising ways. 

Can you be gentle with your need for healing? What requires support in order for your body mind spirit to heal itself? Ki to Happiness utilizes the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda for modern needs.

About a month ago, I started making some lifestyle changes. Tuning up my eating, sleeping and recreational activities has already resulted in gradual progress. I detect improvements in my constitutional balance.

In working with my Ayurvedic physician, these changes have been guided and monitored. Today I have my last treatment as I continue with supplements and root into these new habits. I appreciate the allopaths who said it couldn’t be done, as I took the challenge to heart, and committed myself to seek a 2nd opinion.

What changes would you like to make ? What guidance and monitoring might you need? Ki to Happiness is grateful for 1st opinions as they lead to getting 2nd opinions.