With the power on yesterday, I was able to shift into elf duty. For my morning classes, I offered gifts to the good little girls and boys who showed up in their adult forms. I also dressed in festive gear to play my part.

Today’s classes will provide a respite from the holiday festivities for those who participate. We are anticipating the delivery of more pine boughs, to continue our observation of the most ancient rituals of the season. Historically, evergreens have symbolically represented that which persists even in the darkest, coldest days to remind us of that potential within us.

What are your favorite rituals of the season? Can you honor them and let go of the rest? Ki to Happiness aligns with that which persists.

When the wind gusts kicked up yesterday, I started preparing for another power outage. With the pine boughs decorating our ramp and deck secured and the broken planters removed, I carried the HYC sign in off the curb. I turned my attention inside next.

All devices powered up, I set out the flashlights, candles, tea lights and lighters for easy usage. I thermosed plenty of hot water for morning tea and turned in early. Awakening to tiny lights flashing, I knew we made it through this storm with the power on.

Is your power on? Can you join me in gratitude for life’s simple pleasures? Ki to Happiness feels the power of Joy rising up from my grateful heart.

I’m new to the Social Security process. My accountant advised that I set it up to have my Medicare deducted directly from it. I received an email saying I needed to check my account and I had trouble getting into it.

I reached out to the representative that initially helped me Set it up. His name is Angel. He straightened me out in no time and all is well.

Who are the angels in your life? How can you best show your appreciation for them? Ki to Happiness tells others.

Now that Mercury has gone direct and we have a full moon in Gemini, communication, transportation and electronics may become smoother. In the transition, there may be a few glitches to work out. Best to take them one by one.

It’s also helpful to not take any of the glitches personally. When you’ve done all you can do about any particular matter, we learn to accept what we cannot change. Detaching from the outcome also enhances serenity.

What glitches have you been dealing with? Can you break them down to small steps to make progress? Ki to Happiness does her best lets go of the rest.

Our HYC community has begun to nominate posture of the year for next year. All students, near and far are welcome to nominate what they’d like for us all to practice at each class. So far, 17 postures are on our list of possibilities.

At winter solstice, we will trim the list to begin voting for reasonable options. Our parameters include something all students can do with plenty of variations. We tabulate the votes on NYE and announce the winner on 1/1/26.

What posture or practice would you like to explore daily next year? How might it serve you? Ki to Happiness supports all nominations and looks forward to your vote.

A student made an off handed comment about an issue at HYC. Her perspective reframed the issue in a positive light. It shifted my position into more patience and tolerance.

When faced with new information, it helps a lot to be able to update one’s opinion. Flexibility isn’t only about hamstrings. Hatha Yoga also helps us change our posture on issues, not just asanas.

Which is more flexible, your body or your mind? Can you change your position on issues when facing new information? Ki to Happiness aspires to be flexible, strong and balanced on all levels of consciousness.

Those of us who still use physical calendars will turn the page today. As I did so, I gave thanks for all the blessings of last month, including the special attendees surprising us yesterday. Gifts of chocolate and smoothies we shared, bringing some to warm our student’s “house” in the afternoon.

Retuning home from our outing, we thrilled at the simple pleasures of home. Animals to serve, dishes to put away, plants to protect from our near freezing temperatures all called for attention. We welcome December with joy, prepared for the new month, new week and new day.

How ready are you for December? What blessings of November come with you? Ki to Happiness builds on the many blessings, open to more that follow the vibration of gratitude.

On this chilly morning, we look forward to a special gathering this afternoon. One of our international students has invited us to her home for a small house warming. It’s her first time living alone.

She selected just a few of us from our community to come. We each were involved with her medical emergency last year that nearly took her away from USA, Seattle, HYC, and any dream of independent living for good. Her return to health, us and her first studio apartment we joyously celebrate as her HYC family.

Who do you count as family? What determines that designation? Ki to Happiness counts all HYC community members as family members who’ve found this path helpful as we face life transitions and continue to practice together.

Our small business, Hatha Yoga Center, welcomes any increase in attendance whether in person or at a distance. Gift certificates are available for anyone on your holiday gift list. Discounts are available on request, like 1 year of unlimited classes for two people for $1500.

We’ve begun to take nominations for Posture of the Year 2026. Voting begins 12/21. While there’s no mail-in votes, remote participants can nominate and vote from a distance digitally.

What small businesses would you like to support today in your area? Who on your list may appreciate the gift of Hatha Yoga Center hybrid classes? Ki to Happiness wishes all small businesses a prosperous new year.

Today’s commercial holiday of Black Friday is upon us. I always uncommercialize it by abstaining from making purchases. Instead, I feel the glow of the day before and keep radiating gratitude for what I have and what I’ve already given.

The brightness of yesterday’s gatherings shine light onward. Our yoga gathering, calls and messages from those elsewhere, and our feasting make me smile from deep within. I extend healing and forgiveness all around from the bounty of my full heart.

Is your heart full from giving thanks for all you have? How will that affect your observance of Black Friday? Ki to Happiness shines the light of Thanksgiving, brightening all that is seen and unseen.