Author: Ki McGraw

The tiny outer “planet”of Pluto has shifted in Aquarius to appear retrograde. It affects each of us differently, as its transformative energy stirs all things. It’s been thought of as the Roto-Rooter, removing blockages, often in the unconscious.

I felt it specifically hit me in my gut, clearing out any plaque, residue or unprocessed material physically. Energetically, I feel the upliftment revealing my internal state of joy and peace. After the challenging transition, I’m aligned with this depth.

Can you feel the energetic shift? What would you like to transform? Ki to Happiness transforms fear into love.

I successfully attended to a couple of tech problems. That progress propelled me on toward organizing my physical files and folders. I noticed I have a positive reaction to looking at my computer for the first time

In sharing my minor success with my students, they all moaned in validation of their understanding. In this big tech city, most of our students are involved with either IT or AI. One of them stated that he attends yoga to get away from technology now that “AI hallucinations are in charge”.

How tech savvy are you?  Do you use tech or does tech use you? Ki to Happiness appreciates tools when they work.

As Bob’s morning class assembled, I saw a familiar face returning to us from California. His student from 35 years ago came again as part of her visit to her this previous home town. She practiced right beside me like she used to when she still lived here.

After class, she expressed her gratitude through tear filled eyes. She felt welcomed by the community and the practice, saying there’s no place like Hatha Yoga Center, even though she’s tried lots of studios. Especially as a live streaming student, she appreciated the specific corrections offered and the responsiveness of those gathered in person.

What what fills your eyes with tears of gratitude? What’s your favorite part of yoga practice? Ki to Happiness is full of gratitude for yoga practice, and its practitioners near and far.

We will observe this Cinco de Mayo with chilli beans and corn porridge. A taste of Mexico reminds us of our first kiss at Maya Tulum. No need for margaritas, beer or chips and salsa.

Personally, it’s my good friend and mentors birthday. Sunday Murch is the person who got me to commit to teaching yoga regularly on Kauai in the 90’s. She’s continuing to inspire me as she’s recently self published her second book, Random Thoughts of an Aging Hippie.

Is this a day of public celebration for you? Or is it more personal? Ki to Happiness wishes you all a happy Cinco de Mayo.

With these unseasonably warm temperatures upon us, we took an extra bike ride in the afternoon for the first time this Spring. Mount Rainier was visible from Mapleleaf park as we layed back in the grass. Returning home, we stopped  at the hardware store and got a new analog clock for the studio.

Bob installed the batteries and hung it up as I watered the thirsty plants on our deck. The predicted heat wave got me swapping out winter for summer gear. All fans are in place just in case we need them today for record breaking temperatures.

Are you ready for today’s heatwave? What changes do you make for your yoga practice throughout the seasons? Ki to Happiness is ready by changing what she can.



When I first got to Seattle in the 90s, coffee was on every corner. I chose Tully‘s as my regular spot and had a lovely barista who knew my order by heart. She attended some of our yoga classes, but didn’t continue with us for long.

I stopped drinking coffee long before Tully’s closed. I wondered what became of the lovely barista. Yesterday when she attended my 9 AM class, I found out she’s been very busy raising her three kids, but plans to resume practicing with us now that they’re big enough for her to have some time for classes.

What keeps you away from yoga practice? When can you return? Ki to Happiness welcomes returning students and daily attendees, grateful for the practices that unite us.

Our analog clock hanging on the wall in our studio space stopped. We took it down and tried to get it to work again and it looked like it did. Hanging it back on the wall it stopped again.

Removing it, we noticed the number of times that we look to the blank space on the wall to check the time. Its absence heightens our awareness of that behavior. Now it’s always Now.

Are you a clock watcher? How often do you come into the present moment of Now? Ki to Happiness is peaceful Now.

Today’s full moon arrives with the merry merry month of May. It brings the Earth into the glory of blossoms, buds and the promise of bounty. Ritual celebrations honor fertility, femininity and festivities.

Having cleared out the debris and detritus of winter, we welcome renewal. Grounding practices like Hatha Yoga connect us to the earthly part of ourselves. Walking in nature, barefoot if possible, may further our healthy celebration of life today, and everyday.

How can you ground yourself today? Can you take off your shoes and walk on the good Mother Earth or practice yoga? Ki to Happiness will do both.

One of our community members is moving. A couple of others helped her with some of the big stuff yesterday. During my second class last night, another of the students learned about it during check-in, and offered his truck to further assist as necessary.

Witnessing students helping students brings joy to our community. It encourages further helpful actions.  It also brings gratitude to this teacher‘s heart.

Who helps you? Who are you willing to help? Ki to Happiness appreciates all who help.

As Spring continues, first light comes earlier and earlier. Today it occurred just as one of our stray cats arrived for breakfast. After feeding him, our three indoor cats looked out upon him and three geese flew above, honking their morning greeting.

The freshness crackles my indwelling joy outward. I’m grateful to be alive in a world of cats, birds, flowers, and trees. I’ll serve my clients and students from this overflowing bounty of goodness.

What crackles your joy open? What will you do with it? Ki to Happiness gives it away and watches it return, multiplied.