The great storyteller of the countercultural movement, Tom Robbins, has passed away at age 92. His writing inspired many generations from the 60s onward to free themselves from the cage of conditioning and experience “Joy, in spite of everything”. From my first read, I became hooked on the rascal’s outrageous fiction and read all he wrote. 

He inspired my own writing, in addition to outrageous Halloween costumes over the years, and an immediate camaraderie with others who delighted in his works. He infiltrated my consciousness during my 20’s and grew me up into following his footsteps in ways I only now am beginning to realize. Like Rumi and Patanjali, he holds a place of high honor on the internal library of my life.

Who’s writing inspires you? How do you honor those whose words linger long after you’ve turned the page? Ki to Happiness does so by choosing Joy, in spite of, because of and despite everything, to paraphrase Tom Robbins, Rumi and Patanjali.

My recent birthday color analysis revealed several items no longer desirable in my closet. I weeded them out and set them aside to give away. Following each class yesterday, I invited students to take a look and choose any they may want.

During my time at the Kripalu ashram in the early 90s, I learned vairagya is a practice of detaching dispassionately. One application of this principle I used to embody by scheduling regular offerings of gently used items to our community. Yesterday’s giveaway revived that practice spontaneously and brought joy to those who participated.

What are you ready to detach from? What joy might it bring to someone else? Ki to Happiness loves and detaches, so as not to be possessed by possessions.

Practice began this morning during another snowfall. It disappeared before landing with no accumulation, despite the freezing temperature. The cats and I marveled at the dancing flurries in the glow of the security lights on our deck.

When it stopped, they settled into their nesting spots around me as I continued my yoga practice. It won’t interfere with travel or class attendance. It’s as if it happened just for us to behold this wonder of nature, from the safety and warmth of our shelter. 

What natural beauty have you witnessed alone, or perhaps just with your pets? Can you feel sometimes how nature shows off just for you? Ki to Happiness sees the Creator in each snowflake.

In between snowfalls, we had 11 students attend Bob‘s morning class yesterday. This morning’s fresh accumulation will no doubt hamper students today. It came as a bit of a surprise, not specifically forecasted before I went to bed.

All three cats settled around me for my morning practice as we all witnessed the spectacle. Gorgeous and pristine, it covers the slushy melt and frozen earth with a fresh white blanket. The biggest class of the week may have already happened, but the few who venture out today will be blessed by this peace and beauty. 

Do you change with the weather? What remains constant? Ki to Happiness remains steadfast in practicing and teaching. 

Icy roads linger after the snow melt froze. Few will attend class in person so the live stream may benefit those who want it. We stay open to those who venture out. 

Treacherous sidewalks had me opting for walking on the clearer streets in my neighborhood. I was raised with the expression “safety first”. While that hasn’t always been my mantra, at long last I am willing to take heed.

 How safe do you feel with yourself? Have you noticed that your Higher Self always wants you to be safe? Ki to Happiness feels safe following Guidance from Higher Self.

One of the projects I’ve been working on with my chiropractor has resolved. When we first took a look at my x-rays, he said it would be impossible. My immediate reaction was “do you want to bet?”.

Yesterday during our session, he said that it is done. As usual, the impossible just takes a little time, persistence, and willingness to follow guidance. Inside the word, impossible, are those words ”I’m possible”. 

What have you been told is impossible that you have found your way to accomplish? What has been required for you to achieve it? Ki to Happiness accesses possible healing with assistance, time, visualization and Hatha Yoga.

Heavy snow greeted my fresh eyes on this new day. The cats and I sat marveling at its spectacular beauty. We are safe and warm inside as we revel in the quietude for morning practices of pranayama, chanting, meditation and prayer from the comfortable seated posture that all the years of asana afford.

Drinking tea, I taste it having steeped in this peace to warm my soul on this cold morning. Together, these practices will hold me through the day until I teach classes this evening to the brave and stalwart students who will attend.  The promises of the path are abundant for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

What promises of the path have you experienced? Which ones do you look forward to as you continue? Ki to Happiness experiences love, harmony and beauty and looks forward to sharing it with others.



The beautiful snowfall disappeared in the day’s warmth. The prediction of more coming in the cold night and sticking did not occur in our area. Students continued to attend our classes, if in smaller numbers.

My private sessions, all at a distance continued without being hampered. Bob and I bundled up with extra layers so we could continue with our afternoon walk. Altogether we deepened our commitment to keep practicing yoga including serving others.

With threatens to hamper you from practicing the habits you want? Knowing that there have always been these hindrances, can you use the challenge to strengthen your commitment? Ki to Happiness keeps practicing.

Our morning snowfall beautified Bob’s classes and didn’t stick. We were able to venture out in the afternoon safely on foot and e-bike , without slippery pavement to meet our few humble needs. The evening snowfall landed on cold ground and has accumulated to less than an inch

More is predicted later tonight, but so far it seems likely that all can continue without disruption. We will be saluting the snow in my morning class at 10 AM. Our safe and clean studio will welcome all who venture out. 

Can you modify your practices to adapt to the changes in your area? Would it serve you best to stay home and practice with the live streaming classes, those already posted or join us in person? Ki to Happiness appreciates having options and offering them to you.

This weekend, we are at midwinter. Some observe it as Groundhog Day (2/2) others as Imbolc, which can last several days starting 1/31 and continuing past St. Brigid’s feast on 2/3. In celebration, we had our first snow yesterday as if the weather pattern aligned with our calendars.

We sat inside our snow globe of the Hatha Yoga Center and gazed upon the marvel of rain, turning into snow, then back to rain in between sun breaks. The cats watched the marvel with us as we drank fig date smoothies with yogurt and crunchy granola. Walking out into it, we witnessed eagles soaring above seagulls and crows.

Do you have the time to marvel at the spectacles of nature? What forces of nature inspire you most? Ki ti Happiness takes the time to reflect on midwinter and is inspired by all forces of nature, seasonally cycling through life.