Author: Ki McGraw

Today as we reset our clocks back one hour, my own body clock said get up anyway. I’m so glad I did. Another gorgeous sunrise and a wonderful yoga practice begins my day. I will take the joy of both into my last day with family here.

It may be the last time that we fall back. The change of the clock twice a year has awakened us all to the challenges that come with disruption. Perhaps if we have learned well enough, we can diminish disruptions in our lives as a choice.

How do you react to disruptions? What response do you prefer? Ki to Happiness practices yoga regardless of disruptions.

I was born in the Midwest. It is called the heartland for a reason. The folks out here are mighty friendly.

Out and about yesterday, running errands, I encountered such warmth and tenderness from several locals. Perfect strangers, with a willingness to help and serve with a smile not just on their face, but radiating from their heart. It makes me glad I am from here.

What quality or characteristic is associated with where you are from? Can you celebrate it? Ki to Happiness brings the best of the Midwest with her and leaves the rest.

Suddenly the breezy winds have brought all the leaves down. The valley exposes trunks, limbs and the Illinois River against a somber sky. Soon I will be leaving, like the leaves themselves.

This signals the importance of ending well. I am blessed to have had enough class coverage so I could exit our new location for this family visit. With the uncertainty of our times and my parent’s advanced ages, there’s no guarantee of our reuniting in the Spring.

What is most important in your family of origin? In your family of creation? Ki to Happiness leaves both in the Hands of the One.

Spending time with my parents, I expose myself to their lifestyle. This involves watching TV, which is not a part of my lifestyle. I found myself alarmed and afraid as I viewed.

I checked my breathing, and calmed it down with my yoga practices. When I exited for early bed in my yurt, I found the love in silence, solitude, and nature. Early rest and morning yoga practice bring me back to Source, Safety, Love, Peace and sharing it here with you.

What does your fear call for ? How readily available is loving safety? Ki to Happiness practices choosing safety easily in loving practices.

After Halloween and all saints day, today we honor all the souls who have passed in the last calendar year. Together with all the souls who have ever been, we let them know their lives mattered. We reMember them to the Light of our common Source.

It is kind to our own souls to participate in some way. This sets the stage for our own exit, committing our efforts to the One so our soul travels that path when we pass away. The All Pervading Light birthed suns and planets and all else, and awaits our return in Divine Timing.

Who do you remember that has passed away? Who will remember you when you are gone? Ki to Happiness reMembers.

This glorious day begins, like every other day for me. I light my candle and drink my warm water as I practice mantra, pranayama, meditation and prayer. At each moment, dark night recedes as dawn breaks.

Watching the horizon across the river valley in between practices, red, orange, yellow and pink take turns illuminating the sky. I brighten with the day coming on. I smile in anticipation of joining my family and my good friend who’s coming to visit, now as my practice is complete.

How does your day begin? Do you get up early enough to have a few private moments in which to observe the simple spectacle of dawn? Ki to Happiness dawns with the day.

Rain and mist obscure the beautiful river valley from my view here on my folk’s property. Many leaves have fallen, revealing dark bark on limbs and trunks. Nature signals us to let go into wonder.

My family sat together and watched a double feature. My dad shared sweet memories of his childhood with us in between as my Mom listened to his story again, always happy to have us all together. My brother leaves today as we wonder.

How will you celebrate this Halloween? What do you need to release in order to be free to wonder? Ki to Happiness wanders in the woods and wonders at the beauty of letting go.

Being with my family brings me to want to give a big shout out to all caregivers (CGs). These hard workers are the unsung heroes of our society. Working at minimum wage, they provide the care and attention our families are otherwise unable to give other family members themselves.

When my dad had his stroke nearly 3 years ago today, and my family’s world changed. With plenty of medical attention and an army of caregivers, he continues to live at home with mom, her loving attention, and constant quality care. I am forever grateful to have been able to continue my life and lifestyle choices with my folks well tended to from Spoon River Home Health and their CGs.

Who’s care helps you live your life choices? Any unsung heroes in your life come to mind? Ki to Happiness sings the praises of those who care.

I have safely arrived at my family’s home. I reached in to my luggage and pulled out a bag of Halloween candies to gift my folks. As they dug in, Dad said he’d just been asking for candy!

These moments of coincidence reinforce my path. Synchronicities tell me to keep going this way, listening to guidance and acting on it. Like tiny soul kisses, I feel the affection and love that connects us to each other and to the Great Family of Humanity.

What kisses your soul? Are you open to the tiniest signals of coincidence? Ki to Happiness follows the Signs.

I prepare to leave my sweet new live work space so I can visit my family. During the three months of settling in, I anticipated this day. I have done everything I can to ensure that my cats, my home, and the Hatha Yoga Center are in good hands.

The reward for my willingness to let go and depart has already been delivered. We are all healthy, and my last class had full attendance. Bob will tend to the cats, our home and his classes as our studio manager covers most of my classes. H

How willing are you to let go? In who’s hands do you place your most precious concerns? Ki to Happiness puts her life in the good hands of her Higher Power.