Last night, we watched a documentary about the bands we’d seen in concert the night before. We learned that the genre of music that is now called “yacht rock”engulfed many of the artists we all loved in our generation. At the time, it never would’ve been called that.

In fact, a couple of the forerunners of the genre take offense at the name. There are those who make fun of it wearing admiral caps, and nautical costumes. Whatever the name or the get up, this is music that continues to be the backbone and the backbeat of the vibration that we all groove to and it continues to influence the present music scene.

What do you call your favorite kind of music? What’s the difference if someone calls it by some other name? Ki to Happiness has pet names for all favorites as they express qualities of the One.

My friends already had tickets to the concert and asked me if I’d like to join them. They had lawn seating and it was easy to get another ticket. We headed out with all necessary supplies in case of rain or mosquitoes.

When the music started, I was up on my feet, dancing and singing. I would’ve stayed up except for another dancer who came too close, encroaching on my personal space. As I found my way back to my lawn seat, I continued to rock out safely from there.

Do you need a partner to dance? When others get too close can you simply remove yourself from the unwanted intimacy? Ki to Happiness adapts and adjusts to signals on and off any dance floor. 

As my brother and I drove in tandem back from our visit with mom, we planned a rest stop midway. At the agreed upon exit, we turned off the highway and parked just as the rain began. We used the facilities, then waited a bit longer for the rain to stop as we chatted about the visit and the trip.

This bookended my drive out of St. Louis during which both of my rest stops were deluged by rain, insisting I linger. Taking the hints from nature, watching for signs and guidance, the Travel Mercies show me the way. I arrive safely to my destinations when I take heed.

How good are you at watching for signs? Can you follow the guidance you receive? Ki to Happiness travels the Highest Way, following the timing, the route and direction from Beyond. 

We got together with my mom’s longest and dearest friend who is like an Aunt. We brunched and chatted, catching up with her since last fall. For the first time in 50 years, she’s cat free.

We approached the subject gently, probing into her life alone. She appreciates better slumber and cleaner quarters all though misses having a companion. My brother and I used to visit her to get our cat fix while here, like she does now with her grandson.

Who do you consider family? Do you include 4 leggeds? Ki to Happiness counts all who companion the soul’s journey as spirit family.

For the past few days, we’ve had terrible air quality from the Canadian wildfire’s smoke. I’ve adjusted my practices for safety’s sake, avoiding forest bathing. As my brother arrived, the smoke cleared.

After we sat together with Mom a bit, I excused myself to resume forest bathing. Walking in nature as I chanted mantra, I aligned myself with the forces that brought us together. Centered on purpose, listening to higher guidance, I returned to our reunion.

How easily can you adjust your practices? When the opportunity arises, can you excuse yourself and resume practices you’ve had to relinquish for some reason? Ki to Happiness adapts and adjusts practices as necessary.

Mom and I had the pleasure of sharing dinner and a movie last night with one of her friends. The simple act of gathering for food and a chick flick brought joy to all of us. The simple pleasure is heightened with the knowledge that there’s no guarantee of future movie nights together as her friend plans on moving out of state.

We had a great time, if not great food or movie plot. I assumed my position on the floor so I could do some gentle yoga postures as we viewed.  I helped mom put her legs up so she received benefit from her postural shift, too.

When there’s no guarantee of the future, what can you enjoy in the present? How can you incorporate yoga practices into your life when you are off the mat? Ki to Happiness practices gratitude, conscious breathing and service into regular activities.

Happy Anniversary to Hatha Yoga Center in its’ present location. We love Pinehurst, Victory Creek Park and our neighbors especially QFC. Overall, the challenges of moving out of the University District (UD) where HYC operated since 1977 were well worth the effort.

In these 3 years at 1020 NE 112th Street, we’ve healed from the high crime and cost of the UD. We cherish those students who continued with us, those who’ve returned to us, and those new members who have enriched our community. We welcome all who wish to join us in person or at a distance on our FB live streaming group page.

What challenges have you faced that ultimately brought you to a better place? Can you remember that when you face subsequent challenges? Ki to Happiness thanks all who have contributed to our better place.

I maintain boundaries to protect my spiritual practices, even while traveling. Like all the cells in my body, I keep those boundaries semi permeable. In doing so I have some flexibility and yet I do my best to maintain integrity.

When circumstances push my boundaries, I’m more likely to make mistakes. In yoga practice, that can manifest as injury. Taking full responsibility for myself includes avoiding injury and mistakes by respecting my very real human limitations by upholding boundaries.

Are you willing to take full responsibility for yourself? How do you negotiate your human limitations with others? Ki to Happiness acts on Guidance with flexibility and integrity.



Mom returned from her outing to find me in her home with a full welcoming table of Mother’s Day and birthday gifts. It’s been three months since I was here which she pronounced as way too long. In the interim, she had been quite sick with a terrible bug.

As she explored her gifts and nibbled on our treats, a couple of deer crossed the road onto her property. She got up to look and noted that there should be a couple more little ones coming. A few minutes later, they joined the others having their own deer family reunion.

How often do you see your family? How joyous is your reunion? Ki to Happiness enjoys reuniting with family 3x per year with classes covered at Hatha Yoga Center.

I finally had no time to finish a book I’ve been reading. With that completion behind me, I’m open to what I may need to read next. It’s also inspired my writing.

I said I would read that book, and now that I have, I feel the integrity of keeping my word. With integrity and completion, my yoga practice this morning feels more solid. My whole self is ready to meet this day.

What do you need to do that you said you would? How do you feel when you live up to your word? Ki to Happiness completes and integrates, becoming whole.