We had our last sunset at 6 PM. For the next six months it will set earlier than that. Darkness, rain and wind send us inward.
So does yoga. Turning our attention inward, we cultivate an awareness of our interior landscape. Mapping it out, we may become as familiar with it as we are with the streets where we live.
How well have you mapped out your interior landscape? How well can you navigate it? Ki to Happiness is comfortable with both the inner and the outer journeys.
On yesterday‘s new moon we had a solar eclipse in Scorpio. These energies combined give us a chance to work with our shadow nature and bring it to the light. Today is a good day to clean up from any messes that occurred in the process.
Using these energies we may organize and harmonize on any and all levels. Making use of what we have and what we have learned from encountering our shadow nature can set us in our intended direction. The effect will contribute to how we proceed through until the next eclipse in two weeks and ultimately until next years eclipse pattern.
Have you been bumping into your shadow lately? What is needed for you to shed some light on this otherwise unconscious aspect of yourself? Ki to Happiness is conscious that where there’s shadow, there’s light casting them.
Our first autumn storm came and went without much wind. The trees continue to display their true leaf colors, freshly washed by the rain. Sun breaks illuminated the glorious contrast between darkened branches and rich golden, orange, scarlet, crimson, purple and green leaves.
The light called me out to photograph the beauty before it disappears with the next storm. Stirring me from my inner world of yoga, I walked out into our nearby woods. The glory that surrounded me could not be captured.
What does this season inspire in you? Can you take a moment to simply be surrounded by the light and the glory it illuminates? Ki to Happiness basks in that which cannot be captured.
It’s been nearly 3 months in our new location. As we enter into the wet and dark fall, new needs have revealed themselves. I’ve been rearranging our space to accommodate the ever changing reality.
We had a couple of items to release as they were not being used and took up too much space. I posted pictures of the free items on my neighborhood Facebook group page and placed them on the curb. In 10 minutes, they were removed from the curb with smiles and waves as the new owners pulled away.
How is your ever-changing reality? What do you need to rearrange in your life? Ki to Happiness changes what she can, accepts what she can’t and grows wise as she continues learning the difference.
At one crucial point in my healing journey, I committed to taking care of my smallest most dependent self. No more outsourcing responsibility to anyone outside who’d fail, delay, or disappoint. Instead I resolved to always be available and present to my needs.
I found a lovely statue that symbolized my commitment and purchased it as a gift to celebrate and honor my significant resolution. The 3 foot tall ceramic sculpture of an Indigenous Woman holding a little baby in her arms graced my psychotherapeutic office to remind me of my commitment even while attending to others. Over the years, I’ve integrated the symbolic statue into my yoga practice as it is a living breathing method of embodying my commitment.
Are you willing to always be there for yourself? What symbolizes this for you? Ki to Happiness is responsible for herself always.
Finally the rains have returned to our area. Fresh air and coolness replaces the dry smoke and smog. The trees let go of some gorgeous leaves of every hue,
Like our tears when they pour forth from our deepest pains, we are blessed with freshness. Trees convey the blessing from their leaves and limbs as the moisture wicks downward into the unseen depths of roots. After our own catharsis, we are renewed.
What renews you? Are you open to that blessing? Ki to Happiness opens to the blessed rain.
Before the sun rises, the day has already begun. I get up to meditate and practice alone in the dark. I sort through my personal material to set my intentions for each day.
At night before I go to bed, I prepare my hot water and store it in thermoses so I’m ready to make tea. The rituals we do last thing at night set the stage for what we do first thing in the morning. There’s very little we can control in the world, so let’s courageously choose what we do before bed and upon awakening.
What would you like to do first thing? How can you prepare for that? Ki to Happiness sips tea as she practices yoga first thing.
The wildfires continue to burn causing the worst air quality in the United States here. We keep our windows and doors shut and use our air purifier to safeguard our inside air. One more day until the rains are predicted to return and wash all of this away.
I am envisioning the release of all past errors as the burning offering on the altar of the Pacific Northwest. I am petitioning Saint Medarus to bring the rain. Teaching my yoga classes safely indoors at this time, we have been focusing on pranayama, breathing and releasing the tensions and toxins from the pollution.
How is the air quality in your area? Who do you turn to for help with the weather? Ki to Happiness turns to breath practices and prayer.
Back in the 80s I participated in a post modern dance company in which we used double strung trapezes to partner with contact improvisation. I had no medical insurance at the time and a mortgage which meant I needed to keep myself safe so I could meet my responsibilities. I turned to yoga as my safety net.
Over the years, I have included mixed healing arts. I incorporate abstaining from pollutants and avoiding injuries to all the methods I employ for myself. Massage, acupuncture, vegetarianism, herbal supplements, walking, journaling, meditating, prayer, drinking water are all a part of my self care.
How do you insure your health? In addition to having health insurance? Ki to Happiness lives responsibly.
Our record-breaking heat at this late time of the year has ended. Shifting winds brought cool salty air from the ocean. Practicing yoga safely indoors, we opened the windows to invite in some of the fall freshness.
Soon the rains will return, and with it, darkness. I welcome these like old friends, cherishing the familiarity of seasonal changes. One student from the 90s returned to us yesterday on theses shifting winds.
How are things changing for you in your area? Are you ready for the cold wet darkness? Ki to Happiness changes with the wind and keeps constant the yoga practices in all kinds of weather.