Grateful daily for the many blessings that yoga has brought us, as the news cycle continues. I return to the Sutras of Patanjali which underpin the practice and the path. Transmitted orally thousands of years ago, they may seem to have a little relevance to our present circumstances. However, their broad sweep includes guidance regarding the yogic approach to dealing with the “unholy”.

“By sympathy for the happy, compassion for the sorrowful, delight in the holy disregard of the unholy, the psychic nature moves to gracious peace.” This interpretation from Charles Johnston (Book one, Sutra 33) continues to support me, and perhaps you too.

How do you deal with “the unholy”? The “happy”? The “sorrowful”? Ki to Happiness moves toward gracious peace.

Rains continue to wash us clean as we slowly and safely reopen. The huge downpour yesterday encouraged staying in, and reflecting. The ability to respond to nature’s cue enhances sensitivity.

Resting when complete yields insight, which stimulates action. Correct action then leads us back to a moment in which we can rest again. Then the next insight comes, perhaps requiring action, The sensitivity cycle continues. Our competitive culture has conditioned us away from this natural cycle. The opposite we could call the insensitivity cycle. One of the many benefits during this time of reset is that we may be growing responsibly into a healthier relationship with the sensitivity cycle.

How able are you to respond to your internal cues? What supports your growing sensitivity? Ki to Happiness learns from nature.

Staying steady and focused as we continue to slowly reopen with plenty of time staying home and staying healthy is my ongoing mission. Yesterday, there were several very challenging energies upon most folks whom I encountered. I am thankful my many practices, and the many challenges I have previously faced, all preparing me well enough.

No doubt you are experiencing this, too. Difficult to find peace within if constantly bombarded with tension. Especially hard to keep creative juices moving forward when hindered by stressors. Any progress at this time, is miraculous.

Are you able to find your inner peace? Can you do something creative with that energy?Ki to Happiness peacefully and creatively proceeds, anyway.

One year ago today, I begin daily blogging. My intention was to do so for 20 days. Then for 40 days. Despite several different issues and problems, some personal, some planetary, many technical, I’ve been able to continue (with plenty of assistance). I celebrate with you here now. Thank you for reading.

One year ago we had no idea what was going to occur. And yet it seems as if Providence prepared me well for this by guiding me towards these efforts. Writing daily to share with you has brought to me continuity, connection, and the rewards that commitment yields. Continuing to reopen slowly, staying home and staying healthy, practicing yoga, offering private sessions, all accompanying me as I continue my 365 day blog streak….

What did you start one year ago? How is your progress? Ki to Happiness is rooting for you!

Today our planet comes in to a state of balance regarding the amount of sunlight and darkness. In our northern hemisphere, we call this the first day of Autumn. It signals for us the turning within after the outer focus of Spring and Summer. The temperatures start to drop, with the rain and leaves. Home and hearth call to us.

Still, reopening proceeds slowly, and certainly. Our numbers out here show a real decline for the first time since March. This occurs just as new neighbors have moved in, renting one of the vacated suites in our building. A few more physical students have returned to class with us, with more inquiring. And I have gone back to school. I am enrolled in a class instructed by one of my previous mentors. She mentors me again!

How might this day of balanced energies best serve you? What does your home and hearth require to be more inviting? Ki to Happiness learns from the cycles and seasons of nature.

As I begin this, we continue to slowly re-opening. The sun’s rays made a come back in our area yesterday. Delightful simply to walk in the fresh air out into the light. Draw to my special place in the woods, I crouched down close to the soil to give thanks to the Earth, our Mother.

Reflecting on this summer’s bounty, I discover many unusual blessings to harvest. We are all familiar with the long list of things we have lost. And yet, the space that has allowed has been filled with tremendous potential and newness.

How will you spend this last day of summer? What bounty does your life’s Garden offer? Ki to Happiness brings forward the cornucopia to share.

Finally, the rains and winds have cleared our smoke-filled air. As we continue slowly re-opening, that now includes our windows. Letting out the old air of the last 10 days, and allowing in the sweet freshness, our yoga offerings are blessed.

After instructing both classes in the morning, I went out into the woods in the afternoon. Wonderful to hear birdsongs, and to see green leaves shining from trees, their faces freshly washed. I squatted down in my special place, grounding myself in the safety that is present now.

Have you opened your windows? Do you have a special place in nature? Ki to Happiness loves chanting mantra while forest bathing.

This morning, the air is clear. The rains have come. It is as if our environment is crying over the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We may continue to slowly re-opening our businesses, and yet many of us will be flying our flags at half mast.

I am full of her spirit. She has encouraged and inspired generations of women, as well as all marginalized people. Her energy is free, no longer encased in her tiny old form. It is available for any one of us to integrate, toward equality, respect and justice for all.

How do you commemorate a life well lived? What do you need to follow in her footsteps? Ki to Happiness celebrates this Shero with determination and persistence to the cause that true Yoga professes: Oneness, regardless of gender, sexual preference, age, race, creed, country of origin, political persuasion or color.

In this unhealthy air, we continue to slowly reopen, with lots of time staying home and healthy. The several levels of challenge that we’ve all been facing have been a true test of our ability to remain patient and perseverant.

Meanwhile, the hackers, scammers, and snakes have been very busy attempting to capitalize on our vulnerabilities. The additional challenge of continuing to see through to the true motives took me to my edge yesterday. Fortunately, I found my way back. To breathing. To peace.To the innate state of happiness to which we all have equal access.

How’s your edge? Are you able to respect it?Ki to Happiness patiently persists, after righting myself again with practices.

In this unhealthy air, we continue to slowly reopen, with lots of time staying home and healthy. The several levels of challenge that we’ve all been facing have been a true test of our ability to remain patient and perseverant.

Meanwhile, the hackers, scammers, and snakes have been very busy attempting to capitalize on our vulnerabilities. The additional challenge of continuing to see through to the true motives took me to my edge yesterday. Fortunately, I found my way back. To breathing. To peace.To the innate state of happiness to which we all have equal access.

How’s your edge? Are you able to respect it?Ki to Happiness patiently persists, after righting myself again with practices.