Author: Ki McGraw

One year ago Bob had what we have come to call his stroke of genius. That’s not what we were calling it first when he was unable to speak, walk, sit, drink, or stand. Slowly with the right medical attention and therapy we found the genius inside the emergency.

His yoga practice gave him a high baseline to which he had returned “99%”, he says. With his new practices of drinking water and taking walks, I’d say he has improved his quality of life. His changes certainly have improved the quality of my life.

Can you find the good inside the crises in your life? Can you improve the quality of your life without a crisis? Ki to Happiness honors Bob Smith and his year of recovering from his stroke of genius.

Walking with Bob yesterday, we chose a different route. Toward the last lingering sun, we could see the cold temperatures taking affect as the melted snow started turning to black ice. He prudently used his cane as he watched every step.

Compassion rose up in my heart, replacing any past resentment or impatience. It’s been a year since his stroke, and I marvel at the changes in him including his acceptance of his minor detriment. As we returned home, the crows took flight overhead like we had join them on their flight path.

What stirs the compassion in your heart? Who models acceptance of limitations for you? Ki to Happiness releases the past to marvel in the present.

Yesterday I spoke with an old friend who had questions about my perception of power. I shared with him what I learned long ago about the Higher Power representing the vertical axis which becomes manifest on the Earth through each of us. That power line is intersected by the horizontal axis in which people interact, sometimes leading to power struggles.

He had never heard of that power grid, only the one that results in bills from the power companies. As he contemplates the new perspective, I felt moved to share it with you here, dear readers. Where the vertical and horizontal meet we have a cross which we all bear, in balance and lightness or imbalanced heaviness.

How is the power in your relationships distributed? What is your relationship to your Higher Power today? Ki to Happiness bears her cross with ever refining balancing practices.

This morning, my chilly nook was only 60° as I awakened at 4 AM. I didn’t mind. I was snug with an extra blanket.

I watch the snowfall gracing my practice from the comfort of my altar, candle burning, Queen cat Paca on my lap and feel peace, joy, happiness, health and a generous spirit with which to serve as I begin my life again anew. Today and everyday, these wee hours of solitude and devotion to the One are worth all it has taken for me to be Here Now.

Do you have an extra blanket? Can that be enough? Ki to Happiness feels the comfort of the One surrounding me like the extra blanket.

I learned about the passing of Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac at age 79. Her voice is silent now, although I hear it in my heart having grown up listening to her. I saw them live in concert back in their heyday and like everyone else there, knew all the words and each note of all the songs.

As a tribute to her, I posted a Reiki infused candle to Facebook and cranked up their tunes. At first the tears threatened to choke back my voice until they fell like the sleet out my window. Nothing stops the song birds “like they know the score” as Christine wrote in her lyrics decades ago.

Do you know the score? What brings you to sing despite the weather in your life? Ki to Happiness lifts her voice in remembrance of those who have lifted theirs.

In the snowstorm, 80,000 of us lost power last night. The alarm on our Wi-Fi alerted me to the issue. Turning off the alarm, I turned to my higher power and surrendered to my confidence that all would be well enough that I could sleep.

I grabbed my battery operated camping lantern as I got up with my cats. I delighted in hearing the sound of our refrigerator humming with power restored. Simple delight continues as I sit in my morning practice with a grateful heart.

How is your relationship with your Higher Power? What builds confidence in your relationship to It? Ki to Happiness has surrendered into HP through many power outages and has grown confident as power has always been restored.

I was born in a blizzard as 2 feet of snow fell. Each year before the first snowfall, I have this feeling of eager anticipation and excitement. It is as if I am about to be born again anew.

In Seattle, with our many hills and waterways, travel becomes dangerous and many dread the snow or head to the mountains for skiing. Instead of either of those options, the cats and I look out the window for the first flake. Whether it comes or not, I marvel in the sense of what’s about to happen, life!

What gives you a feeling of rebirth? How is your marvelous life? Ki to Happiness anticipates life even while living it.

Bob picked the movie Elvis for our viewing. We both learned a lot from the biopic. The poor white kid learned how to survive with music and dance in his otherwise impoverished home while his dad was incarcerated.

His style blended black and white, rich and poor, male and female at a time when the powers that be wanted control and status quo. Ultimately his survival strategy led to his demise. There’s still a whole Lotta Shakin going on in our culture about these very issues.

What strategies have helped you survive? How can you ensure they don’t lead to your demise? Ki to Happiness integrates her survival strategies with Hatha Yoga, joining body with mind, emotions and spirit..

Our 30 year old son came to Thanksgivingdinner. He laid on the floor, exhausted after his trip to see other family members. I covered him with a blanket, and remembered so many times together.

One of those times was four years ago. He got locked out while cat sitting for our neighbor so he returned to us in the middle of the night. At first, I startled in seeing a body on our floor only to be flooded with unconditional love as I reached for a blanket to cover him once I recognized who it was.

What lets you know your love is unconditional? Who brings that feeling up for you? Ki to Happiness gives thanks again for a chance to unconditionally love.

Whoever shopped yesterday may be on their way back to return items today. Whoever resisted shopping yesterday may allow some purchasing now that the traditional biggest consumption day of the year has passed. Whichever camp you belong to, I encourage your freedom to do what’s right for you as long as it’s not infringing upon anyone else.

I am not much of a consumer. My simple needs are easily met with wholesome organic plant based foods and drinks. Most of my clothing are hand-me-downs or thrift items with a few additional retail garments for weather wear.

How did you participate in Black Friday? Did you exercise your freedom to choose? Ki to Happiness chooses freedom and simplicity every day, whatever the color.