Since February when my stepson left for our home in Bali, things started slowing down here. The beginning stirrings of the pandemic had us all watching the news from China, and we prepared with handwashing and abstaining from touching our faces. In the 10 months since then we have been moving in and out of the phases of shutting down and re-opening, slowly.

Yesterday, it was revealed to us that his return is eminent. Suddenly, the need presents itself and I quickly move into preparing a space for him to quarantine safely. Moving personal items, clothing, shoes, furniture, bedding to make room in our strange and small living area required I change gears.

Are you able to slow down? Can you just as easily switch into high gear? Ki to Happiness has more than one speed.

During this time of the coronavirus, global economic downturn, and tremendous political division I reflect on the caste system. Here and in India, as well as many other places on the planet, the effort to control the dominant narrative is eroding, despite the backlash to reassert its power.

In psychotherapy, private sessions and group classes, my mixed healing arts approach is toward integration of body-mind-spirit. Empowering the witness state of consciousness brings choice, freedom and responsibility. Sometimes, it feels like a drop in a tumultuous bucket. The Buddha says “do not disregard the accumulation of goodness, saying, “This will come to nothing.” By the gradual falling of raindrops, a jar is filled.”

Are you willing to take responsibility for your freedom in choosing consciously? What practices empower your goodness? Ki to Happiness witnesses the raindrops gradually filling the jar.

We are all in the process of accommodating the restrictions imposed on us due to Covid. Many are reporting hitting a limit. Without hugs, visible smiles, handshakes, or gatherings our sense of belonging is challenged. Touch deprived and lonely, some are seeking comfort in old familiar ways, not necessarily the best ways.

Recognizing that is real progress. Making use of this time, we are invited to look within. Learning something about ourselves may connect us ever more deeply to others, even at a distance. Choosing again, once we let go of the old familiar, provides the opportunity to experiment with new options.

In this process, what are you learning? Can you see this as progress? Ki to Happiness knows they go hand in hand.

The temperature cools. The air clears. The eclipse pattern resolves itself. Things shift. Internally, there is greater safety. Externally, one neighbor moves out. Another one is about to move in. My stepson and his broken arm are about to return to Seattle, as soon as his passport is back from the immigration officials, who tortured him and threatened him with 5 years in jail, or deportation.

He is likely to move into the neighboring suite. The cats will love having their big brother back. His presence will ground my husband into his parental role, and I’ll do the “step dance” I know so well- stepping in and out of parenting as I’ve honed in my 24 years of interacting with them.

What has the eclipse pattern left for you? Are you feeling safer and steadier yet? Ki to Happiness is!

On this cyber Monday, we are experiencing a lunar eclipse. It may be challenging. Full moon wants subconscious material expressed, and the eclipse obscures that. Cyber Monday requires clear communication with technology, and likely there will be glitches.

Yoga practices help to stabilize consciousness, anyway. Rhythmic deep breathing, holding oneself with poise, setting the heart on the Everlasting are what the Yoga Sutras recommend to bring consciousness to gracious peace. A good way the start any day!

What will bring your consciousness to gracious peace? How can you best navigate the glitches? Ki to Happiness counts her Everlasting blessings.

Thick fog like Pea soup obscures and reveals the full moon. The intentions set on the new moon, consciously or unconsciously, now come to fruition. I awaken early. In the solitude of practice, I feel peace. Contentment. Just as intended.

Sure, there are lots of problems, and conflicts, and issues. Uncertainty is in every direction except This, Here Now. That’s ok. I’ve grown comfortable with discomfort but not complacent. Certain of uncertainty, yet not confused. Secure without security, having befriended my insecurities. Contentment is it’s own practice.

What is this full moon reflecting to you? Can you see clearly despite the fog? Ki to Happiness loves peace and pea soup.

A little extra sleep, and a lighter day of eating, and my body has found its way back to balance gently. Holiday indulgences are best surrounded by a couple of days of austerities to allow homeostasis to work its magic.

Especially at this time during the pandemic it’s important that we not overload the body with acid producing substances. Alkaline vegetables remedy the sweet stuff. Respecting the dynamic balancing act our biological systems conduct aligns us with nature. Immune systems function best with healthy habits.

Have you re-balanced yet? What do you need? Ki to Happiness is habitually grateful.

It’s Black Friday. It may set a record. Perhaps it will be the most peaceful one, without conflicts in the aisles over who can get the new toy or technology. Perhaps it will not be record setting, financially.

I usually avoid the stores on this day. In our Phase 1 environment, that is a given. It’s a good day for reflection and digestion. Yoga holds a space for both. Depending on how it goes, this may prepare us well for the upcoming holidays as well. Two to go…

How will you remember yesterday in the future? What might you bring with you from it for the rest of the holiday season? Ki to Happiness brings peaceful gratitude forward.

Thank you all for your eyes and your ability to read. Thank you for your technological know-how, so you can access my few words on your device when you choose. Thank you for your interest in happiness, yoga, and energy (Ki).

Looking around, I see with wet eyes my humble abode, our cats, and the results of years of yoga and other practices. I am peaceful, joyous and grateful.

How are you? What is your heart thankful for? Ki to Happiness is counting blessings.

Today is the feast day of my name sake. She preceded St. Catherine of Siena by over 1000 years. Many names are derived from her: Katherine, Kathleen, Kathy, Kate, Kay, Kitty. All of us carry the scholarship and philosophical attribute in the vibration of the name.

Burning a white candle for her, we ask for her blessings to assist us with study, as well as anything related to wheels: drivers, spinners, seamstresses, potters, astrologers, chakra meditators,. She is one of the 14 Holy Helpers, so we may petition her for healing on all levels.

Who is your namesake? What energy does that vibration bring forward? Ki to Happiness embodies the energy of women philosophers, scholars and healers.