Assembling the second Soji screen Santa left for us, we had only 95 of the 96 parts. I went in search of one screw to replace the missing one as Bob continued screwing in all we found in the box. I looked through our hardware and found 3 possibilities, none quite perfect.

When all was assembled except for that last screw, Bob tried it and it didn’t work. After waiting through the storm for Santa’s late delivery, learning the gifts required assembly, and getting this far, the temptation was great to give up in frustration. Instead, we stood the Soji screen up, and in shifting its relationship to gravity and our perspective, the screw worked well enough.

What has been frustrating you? What can you shift to get a different perspective? Ki to Happiness found a change in relationship to gravity made the difference.

My daily rituals and yoga practices give me a baseline from which I can track my condition. I compare myself to my baseline each day, so I can make adjustments and refinements. Today requires Epson salt soaking.

We received delivery our Christmas gifts now that the ice and snow has made travel possible again. They required some assembly. I volunteered, which resulted in a functional room divider and a cranky body from multiple frustrated contortions in the process.

What do you use as your baseline? what adjustments and refinements are necessary for you today? Ki to Happiness needs to soak.

On this day after Christmas, we are encouraged to give of our abundance to those in need. Initially, a Canadian observance of giving gifts to staff members, this celebration has evolved. It’s a good day to clear out the closet and the pantries, and to release our excesses, and give them to you are less fortunate.

I have a few items selected, which I will bestow upon those who cross my path today. I will offer books one of my clients authored, spiced nuts from our family gathering, and a few chocolate Santas. My students and clients perhaps will appreciate the gesture.

What do you have an abundance of that could benefit someone else? Could you box it up today and give it away? Ki to Happiness has an abundance of joy with which I will wrap my boxes.

I start my Christmas morning with an empty stomach and a full heart. I abstained from having dinner so that I would awaken fresh and clear to be with the Light within. Meditation, chanting, and prayer fill my heart better than the pizza might have.

My thoughts go out to others who are sad, sick, disappointed, alone. I send them the joy of one full breath, igniting the light in the heart and its dream. We are all doing our part to bring about the reason for the season… Christ (Buddha’s, Highest, call it what you will) consciousness manifesting on the Earth in each of us.

How will you celebrate? What will renew your heart’s dream? Ki to Happiness wishes you all a merry Christmas today and everyday.

On this Christmas Eve morning, we have a new moon in Capricorn. With it, there is a feeling of hope and anticipation of newness. The rain is washing away the remnants of the bomb cyclone in answer to many prayers.

As we thaw, we release the past, the fear of how bad it might have been and we shift into cleaning up the aftermath. What remains for me is a greater sense of community as we all pitched in to help one another: my new neighbors, our students and HYC teachers, and friends and family near and far all prudently checked in safe. Today is a fresh day of gratitude for setting intentions for the rest of 2022 to end well for a Happy 2023!

What do you need to clear out in the aftermath of the bomb cyclone? How do you intend to end 2022? Ki to Happiness lets love replace all fear.

As our country is plunged into the bomb, cyclone of polar, arctic, cold, wind and freezing rain, I count my blessings. When I grew up in the Midwest, I experienced many terrible winter storms, blizzards, and treacherous conditions. I am blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest where we’ll soon warm up and thaw out.

Walking out into the frozen world, memories of car wrecks, broken water pipes, and stressful holidays came up from their storage spaces in my body. Releasing the traumas with yoga brought me present to my current safety, relative warmth and contentment with my choices. Until we warm up, I will continue to sip jasmine green tea, practice yoga and pet my cats.

What traumas are stored in your body? How can you safely release them? Ki to Happiness lets this bomb cyclone move through her as she thaws out the past.

In the frigid temperatures, we walked out onto the snowy icy earth. Bob wanted to see the beauty in the sunlight reflected on the trees with icicles sparkling. We bundled up and made our way into the elements.

The simple joy brought tears to my eyes and infused my classes and private sessions with a felt sense of Winter Solstice. I continued to see light glistening from my students, and heard the beautiful sounds of my client’s voices as they make their way through the darkness into the light of consciousness. We honored the moment’s blessing with meditation and sun salutations.

Where do you find beauty at this time of year? Can you feel light returning within as you face your darkness? Ki to Happiness sees beauty in the light of consciousness.

Happy winter solstice. During this coldest, darkest time of year, I reflect on my warming and illuminating practices. Only those that can bear up against the snow and ice of days with only eight hours of dim sunlight will go with me into 2023.

With green warm tea and candle light, I give thanks for that which sustains us. My healthy body, clear mind, balanced emotions are sustained by Grace. I’m grateful for nearly 62 years of seasons and cycles, witnessing miracles.

What sustains you in your coldest and darkest times? What miracles have you witnessed that bring you hope? Ki to Happiness has seen healing, forgiveness, and compassion.

We went out yesterday for a little Christmas shopping. We returned to find a delivery on our doorstep. A box of chocolate Santas from Bissinger’s was sent to us to share some sweetness with our community.

The thoughtful gift took me back to my memories of growing up in St. Louis and window shopping at the great confectioners. My girlfriend and I loved to browse around the central west end where the hippies and international students freely ranged long before the area became gentrified. Those memories are rapped up in the gifting as one by one I distribute the Secret Santa’s to our students.

What memories does this Holiday season bring up for you? Can you remember some sweetness? Ki to Happiness shares the treats.

After Bob taught the last Sunday classes of 2022, I served vegan treats and tea for our small gathering. I used my grandmother’s poinsettia tablecloth to spread out the trays of scones, blueberry bars and a fig bread wreath with ginger and jasmine green tea service on the studio floor. We enjoyed the intimate ritual celebration and wished each other well as we said our goodbyes until Sunday class resumes in 2023.

Bob and I settled in to watch a holiday movie, resisting the new trends and avoiding the old traditions. In between, we landed on the first Christmas Chronicles. Silly, light and uplifting, Bob’s laughter let me know we made the right choice.

What traditions and rituals will you observe this holiday season? Which will make you laugh, uplift your spirit, and dispel the darkness? Ki to Happiness choose Hatha Yoga Center community celebrations and anything that makes Bob laugh.