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In Bali, Indonesia, there are usually small simple lodgings that are for rent for the tourists. They are called “home stays”. Different from hotels, motels, or bungalows, they are small detached separate dwellings on the property of the family compound.

For over 20 years as a yoga instructor conducting retreats there, all of our students have loved the simple family environment in which they lodge, and meet their simple needs. I am in envisioning us all creating our own homes stays where we are, safely sheltering as we sequester.

How safe are you where you are? Have you provisioned for your simplest needs? Ki to Happiness has plenty in this home stay.

In our state of Washington, today we begin our official “staying home, staying healthy” order. Later this afternoon, the already deserted streets and shuttered buildings will be joined by others, turning the lights off, perhaps boarding up the windows and departing.

Just two weeks ago, this seemed utterly impossible. Unbelievable. Untenable. And now, I am able to except it with grace. And have adjusted all that I can in this direction in preparation. As usual, the impossible takes a little while.

How peaceful are you at home? Are you happy to be there a while? Ki to Happiness is in the heart’s healthy home.

Now, we enter into our first black moon of the spring season. During this time, without the moonlight, we have an invitation into deeper realms of our intention. As we stay home, and stay healthy, it’s of utmost importance that we also stay conscious of our truest desires.

Peace, joy, bliss, happiness, are all within. This time of greater solitude, silence, and social distancing may not only save your life, but also perhaps bring you into this awareness. 

What would you like to have result from this time of staying home and staying healthy? When this, too, has passed, how would you like to remember yourself navigating this global pandemic? Ki to Happiness envisions a more conscious world.

Now that a large portion of Americans are staying home, we are entering into uncharted territory. Like you, I also had no warning, no sense of this coming, and as such it is all very surprising, if not shocking. The adjustments required here have included shifting the way that I serve.

The old adage “ready, aim, fire” doesn’t work. Instead, reverse it. Fire your energy toward the future, aim it toward what you truly value, then ready yourself for the result. Refine and repeat as needed.

What energy are you ready to fire? Which values do you still hold to aim toward? Ki to Happiness is ready.

As more and more of us on the planet are staying home, there are a few simple pleasures we can engage in that will help us. In addition to conscious breathing, and light yoga practice, sipping warm liquids through the day is beneficial.

Keeping the throat moist and warm, and inhospitable to this nonliving crud, will wash it down into the gut where our strong digestive enzymes can remove it. My habit has been to sip third brew jasmine green tea throughout the day. First, I drink lots of warm water with my morning practices…

What do you like to sip on? What good habits have already been protecting you from this and other viruses? Ki to Happiness is sipping with you, blessing all our uplifting choices.

Around the globe we are all affected by this viral pandemic. As I adjust and accommodate to the many changes in the shape of my life, I continue to appreciate the many constants that remain.

My morning practices which I have shared with you in detail, continue. My further daily practices that occur including asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, spiritual reading all continue. My practice of serving through Yoga instruction, Yoga teacher training and private sessions all continue.

What remains constant and amidst your changes? What positives are you finding in some of the changes? Ki to Happiness  recognizes that the only constant is change. Join me on Hatha Yoga Center’s Facebook page as I live stream all classes.

through yoga class instruction, yoga teacher training, and private sessions all continue, at a distance. Live streaming all classes. On Hatha Yoga Center Facebook page.

Spring has sprung, the sun has riz and I know where the birdies is…

This playful poem accompanied me through many childhood seasonal shifts. In the Pacific Northwest, I saw my first Robin and her red breast about a month ago. Now that we’re warming up, the outer world is very inviting.

I took a long walk yesterday. I love how the trees are leafing out, and the buds are bursting forth. Safely maintaining correct socializing distance, it was also uplifting to see many other people out of doors, enjoying the benefit of this very unusual time on the planet.

How springy are you feeling? What will help you put a little more spring in your step? Ki to Happiness appreciates the small safe blessings of nature.

This day we honor all who have raised children who are not of their own reproduction. It’s hard work, for which St. Joe is also the patron saint. Setting a table with candles and flowers, his image, a hammer, some nails and homemade bread in various symbolic shapes is traditional.

My grandparents certainly help to raise me. My grandfather‘s name is Joe. And he had his own workbench. His efforts inspired me to participate in raising my stepson, as well as to contribute to protecting and sheltering many of his friends. Now with the pandemic, I will have a chance again to shelter him as he is about to return to us from Bali where visas are no longer being issued.

Who have you contributed to raising, apart from your own offspring?How comfortable are you with hard work? Ki to Happiness works hard for the good of all children.

At this time with the national guidelines of sheltering in place, socially distancing, avoiding groups of more than 10, only interacting in essential ways, one practice we can engage in that is guaranteed to help, is conscious breathing. Right now put your attention on the breath as it enters and exits through your nostrils.

For a moment reflect on the Breathgiver. Give thanks for this breath with your attention, and observe the effect that has helping you to slow down your breathing rhythm, deepen it, expand your heart, and your chest.

What tool is closer than consciously breathing? Where and when in your life could you most benefit from this now? Ki to Happiness breathes with you at a distance.

On this day, we reflect on the Irish. Many of my ancestors, and perhaps yours as well or of Irish dissent. While the lore surrounding this day includes Saint Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, we do well to use this energy for transformation.

Snakes symbolize transformation. They shed their skins. Thus, releasing old ways, letting go of the past, allowing tender fresh new possibilities to exist.

In your hibernation and deeper introspection of the winter, what have you found that you need to transform? What outer covering is ready to be released? Ki to Happiness releases fear, and transforms it into compassion for others who are fearful.