Bob‘s birthday is coming up next Tuesday. He is not easy to gift or fete. After our regular weekly burrito date, I was surprised that he allowed us to do a little shopping for him.

We found a few suitable items at TJ Maxx. Together with a couple of other small gifts and special foods, we will celebrate quietly. We already sang the birthday song to him yesterday during his class to start off the Virgo season.

Do you observe birthdays? How do you ritualize the celebration of another year? Ki to Happiness celebrates life daily and observes other’s special days in the way that they prefer.

In the sunny afternoon, I cleaned up a corner of the garden. I removed a large wooden box that no longer served its intended purpose and had become a breeding ground for insects. Hauling it to the trash, a neighbor offered a helping hand.

As he walked toward me, I could see his willingness to assist. Together we accomplished the task cheerfully. The resulting cleanliness and beauty will reward us both, as well as all who come this way.

Do you allow others to help you? Do you offer a helping hand to others? Ki to Happiness helps and receives help as giving and receiving are one.

My brother shared with me the good news that he’s been laid off. He feels really good about it, as he is ready this time. In the past, I felt the weight of it on my shoulders, feeling responsible to carry his financial load if he could not.

That energetic burden has been lifted off my shoulders as he has provided well enough for himself in advance of retirement that he may simply shift into that status. I asked him what he planned to do next. He said he wants to find a nearby yoga class and resume his practice.

Who‘s load do you help carry? What would you do if you were free from it? Ki to Happiness and her brother would both practice yoga.



In the aftermath of the huge storms in the Midwest, my mom lost her Wi-Fi and then her phone. She reached out for help in all the ways necessary. Her connectivity is restored, so she is safe in her rural home.

I got to hear the epic story of how it all occurred. As she shared the challenges, we had several belly laughs. Overall, I’m grateful for my role, for her persistence, and for all the others who came through for her.

How do you help someone who is far away? What helps you stay connected? Ki to Happiness stays in her lane, and stays connected in Spirit.

I had my accounting appointment for this year‘s taxes on the first Monday of the year. I was the first client to completely prepare for filing. Even so, a attack until yesterday for my tax refund to arrive.

My accountant says the system is broken. I so appreciate his willingness to interface for me with the system. His expertise and perspective helps me navigate the complexities.

Have you gotten your refund yet? Who helps you interface with the complexities of our systems and their failures? Ki to Happiness is grateful for her accountant and the refund.

During Bob’s classes, I heard my phone notifying me that an old friend and colleague was reaching out for conversation. We were able to schedule some phone time later. As we began to chat, the time and distance between us disappeared.

Comparing notes on continuing to teach yoga, conducting private sessions, and being married brought us present. Fortunately, we both are healthy and give thanks to our yoga path for its contribution. She may attend our Jubilee next year, but we are wise enough to stay free from disappointment by abstaining from commitment, expectation or planning.

What connects you to your old friends? Can you let go of differences, time, and space? Ki to Happiness values chooses to focus on what unites.

I work with an alchemical aromatherapist who has brewed a special blend of essential oils for me to share. We call it OWIH, which stands for put it “on where it hurts”. I have used it myself in just that way with miraculous outcome.

I shared some of my supply with students about a month ago and everybody wanted some. That prompted me to make a special order for us, which has now been fulfilled. Soon, I will have plenty to offer as soon as it arrives.

Where does it hurt? Would you like to put something on it that others have found beneficial? Ki to Happiness offers all that has worked for her to others.



Underpinning the path of Yoga are the sacred texts of the Sutras and Upanishads. Both were committed to writing after an undefined length of their being conveyed through the oral tradition of memorization. They have stood the test of time and continue to hold value in our modern era.

 Many translations are available for both scriptures. My favorite is Eknath Easwaran’s interpretation as his introduction to the Upanishads is personal and profoundly moving. A member of our community reminded me of this lifetime favorite as she’s found herself enthralled.

What are your favorite lifetime reads? Have you exposed yourself to the underpinnings of the yogic path? Ki to Happiness reads, respecting those who’ve gone before us on the path, shining their Light ahead of us.

I returned from my dental appointment just as Bob came back from Target. Our cleaning assistant was busily still on the job so we decided to go off together. We turned our bikes around and went to a nearby pocket park.

Our simple, spontaneous date reminded me of the many times we have gone off together on foot or on bike. The perfect weather hosted us as we checked in about our separate adventures. We returned to a clean studio, a new toaster oven from Bob’s shopping and improved oral health as we settled in for evening yoga class.

How spontaneous are you? What constitutes a date for you? Ki to Happiness delights in spontaneity as well as planned dates, simple or elaborate, as long as they don’t interfere with yoga.

While I was visiting my mother this summer, I heard from our neighbor that a disabled vehicle and its disturbed driver had taken up residence on our cul-de-sac. After a month of multiple efforts to get the man to remove the vehicle, it was towed away yesterday. Its removal revealed the trash that the man dumped all around the area.

With that disturbance gone, there’s one more spot available for students to park. We are able to be less vigilant about that man’s unpredictable behavior. Classes continue with greater safety and cleanliness.

What did you release during the eclipse? What has been revealed with it removed? Ki to Happiness appreciates parking enforcement towing the disabled car and the resulting safety and cleanliness that has replaced it.