Mom and I went out for lunch yesterday with our two good girlfriends. Over our combined 80 years of friendship, we have done this several times. Remarkable to witness our developing and deepening relationships at this point.

Conversations superficial and deep interwove as our servers tended to us. We parted ways, knowing that there is no guarantee that the four of us will ever share a table again. We made sure we expressed our love and gratitude for these precious times to one another and the One who brings us together.

How important are your friends? When’s the last time you let them know? Ki to Happiness cherishes friends as the flowers in Life’s Garden.



We were included in the Dream Center celebration of their year’s accomplishments. 80 staff members and hundreds of volunteers have served thousands of families and kids through this charitable organization. Shelter, food, clothing, education, career counseling, and mentorship have improved the lives of the givers and receivers through their many programs.

All who gathered were asked to consider how best to contribute. There is an upcoming Christmas fundraiser with booths for venders, so I contacted my friend who may participate, raising money for both. It also inspires my generous heart for charitable programs and contributions I may facilitate in the future.

What’s stimulates your dreaming? What do you need in order to offer to others in greater need what may fill both your needs? Ki to Happiness dreams on of a peaceful world with people helping people helping people…

As I departed the land of my alma mater, I saw campus town receding in my rearview mirror. The students were all crossing streets at the change of classes, jaywalking full speed into their future. I remember when that was me.

The house I proudly purchased has fallen into ruin. Friends have all but moved on as have I long ago. And yet, from my rear view, I cherish my dozen years there so long ago.

What do you cherish as you look back? How will that help you continue forward? Ki to Happiness cherishes her foundation from the past as it built a structure with which to move forward.

I sat with my psychotherapeutic mentor in her sunny garden as we caught up. After her colon cancer and then my mom’s we were fortunate to have another visit in person. We slipped right back into our familiar roles, enjoying each other as we have for 43 years, winding in and out of personal and professional material.

The birds sang and visited us at particularly poignant moments, with her pointing them out, saying that she lives with them now. She referred to the nature surrounding us as Autumn falls, full of metaphor. She especially aligned with the lilies, looking nearly dead, but certain to be reborn in Spring, when we hope to see each other again.

 What metaphors do you align with in nature? Do you listen to the birds and their messages? Ki to Happiness listens and learns from nature, the greatest mentor of All.

In driving across the Prairie at sunset, I saw the most spectacular and unusual clouds. Bright golden clouds to the west with wispy peaches and oranges against the fading blue sky were in contrast to the indigo and Scarlet clouds to the east. In between, lots of corn about to be harvested as well as soybean fields already cleared welcomed me to the land of my Alma Mater, mentor and friends.

At a distance, I saw very low hanging dark clouds. On three separate occasions, they hovered just above the land by about 4 feet. One by one I approached them and drove right through them, spine erect, breathing consciously, and praying, just in case.

Have you experienced natural anomalies? How do you respond to the mysteries in our world? Ki to Happiness breathes freely and deeply with spine erect and prays.

On the superficial level, all is well as I continue this family visit. Navigating issues and differences political and personal, we deepened into post church conversations. Highly significant at this time in our lives, we find our way to gracious peace with the past, joy in the present, and hope for the future.

Yoga practice anchors my awareness here and now. It enables me to shrug off reactions to triggers and recognize how far we’ve come. Ram Das used to say “ if you ever feel enlightened, try visiting your family for a week” which makes me grin without disturbance.

How comfortable are you with shallowness? How deep can you go? Ki to Happiness transitions levels of consciousness without confusion with the anchor of Hatha Yoga.

Mom and I are about to go up to her church. She and I are happy to enter into any church and praise the Great One. And this is not just any church, but her home church, where she has her church family.

All are welcome. Including me, the traveler, the yogi, the daughter. I appreciate their open arms and hearts which I reciprocate.

Do you have limits on where you are willing to worship? Can you find the desire to praise in any circumstances? Ki to Happiness praises the One in All circumstances.

I arrived in time for soup before mom‘s movie choice. Her church had gotten the license to watch the first episode of the sixth season of Chosen. We gathered with 12 people to watch and sat in a circle after to discuss.

Meaningful and deep sharing ensued. Differences of opinion regarding various aspects were expressed. Mom‘s church friends have been so loving and kind to us, especially through mom’s medical issues this year.

Who chooses what you watch? Do you allow yourself to express your opinion if different from the others with whom you watch? Ki to Happiness watches herself watch, witnessing reactions of self and others, continuing to choose peace in any discussions.

I drove from the airport to my brother’s. He invited me over to see the improvements in his place and spend time with his 4 cats. It’s the first time I’ve been invited to his place in years.

We walked to the best Indian restaurant in town, just a couple of blocks away. After enjoying our vegetarian meal, I drove to my girlfriend’s house where she, her husband and their three cats welcomed me. After morning practices. I’ll hit the road to Mom‘s, where there will be no cats, but lots of deer.

Do you keep up your practices while you travel? How do others accommodate your commitment to practice? Ki to Happiness travels where yoga practices are invited and welcomed.

I caught myself laughing last night before bed. I was remembering the expression“man plans and God laughs”. It took me until then to get the punchline.

As each of my schedule events for my upcoming trip shifted, I realized it was out of my control. I did get to choose how I responded, once my reactions calmed down. Practicing and teaching yoga helped me access the wisdom within so I could serenely laugh with God.

What helps you get the punchline? Are you willing to take responsibility for your reactions when plans change? Ki to Happiness chooses to respond with acceptance.