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In preparation for the upcoming holiday holidays, we did a deep cleaning yesterday. With all the crud removed, I rolled out the red carpet runners to brighten and warm our space. Day by day, we will get more festive.

My favorite aspects of this time of year are the most ancient. Reminders of the cyclic nature of life and staying focused on the light at the darkest times tether me to the meaning of most of our seasonal rituals. Honoring all traditions, yoga embraces those that preceded commercialization.

What traditions do you observe? Are you aware of their deep origins? Ki to Happiness observes the symbolic elements inherent in all Ways.

In addition to having several students for both of our classes yesterday, we also had two dogs. They got along well. Our three cats didn’t object.

Neither did the students. Instead, they suggested that we offer zoo yoga. While we won’t do that exactly, we do welcome all good animals and their owners who know how to behave and always have.

Are you an animal lover? Does that include their presence in your yoga classes and practices? Ki to Happiness’ love for animals includes them in class when agreeable with all who attend.

In my yoga practice, I am strengthening and stabilizing my structure. This year has brought me opportunities to deeply cleanse and realign. Having done so with lots of assistance, the rest is up to me.

While I continue to ask for help as needed, I take responsibility for meeting the daily detailed demands this body mind requires. Renewing my commitment with this New Moon, I give thanks for the chance to listen to Guidance and act accordingly. I encourage my clients, students and you, dear reader, to do the same.

What does your body mind require? Can you recommit to taking responsibility for it as we approach the holidays? Ki to Happiness strengthens and stabilizes.

During this phase of the dark moon, I am planting bulbs for the holiday season. The fragrance and beauty of their growth may uplift the spirit during this cold, wet time. It’s a natural way of setting intentions for joyous gatherings to benefit all our students, clients, friends and family.

Every planting is an act of faith. We put the seeds or bulbs in the dirt and cover them up, like a burial. As germination and sprouting develop, life rebirths, like the Spring after Winter.

What are your intentions for this holiday season? Can you make an effort towards that during this dark moon? Ki to Happiness acts in alignment with intentions. 

As the upcoming holiday approaches, I plan to teach my morning 10 AM class. I’ll also offer healthy shots of turmeric and ginger with black pepper to offset any indulgences of the season. Afterward, we will feast with our son.

 We are grateful to plan and prepare, yet we also remain flexible for reality to reveal itself to us. Without attachment to outcome, we avoid any disappointment. Thanksgiving is a daily practice for spiritual growth regardless of gathering or feasting with others.

Do you have a daily gratitude practice? Can you release attachments to the outcome of your holiday plans? Ki to Happiness celebrates Thanksgiving daily in writing journal pages of gratitude for the many blessings.

Removing the Halloween decorations and the spent annuals, I cleaned up our deck. While browsing our nearby TJMax, I heard the first carols of the year. I noticed they didn’t bother me as I’m in synch with the seasonal shift.

Inspired, I purchased several pine boughs from QFC. Hanging them in the dark between the ferns, some neighbors commented how much they appreciate our efforts to beautify the building. Little by little we will add lights and more decorations as we look forward to the community gatherings in this dark and chilly time, with plenty healthy treats, too.

Are you in sync with the seasonal shift? What do you look forward to during this part of the year? Ki to Happiness syncs with what Is.

In anticipation of the challenges in returning to Seattle, I elected to ship one object so I didn’t have to check it through. It was supposed to arrive on Thursday. I was growing anxious about it until its special delivery on Saturday.

Opening the large box, I removed all the packing material. I retained the box for the cats to play with as I recycled the bubble wrap and pitched the Styrofoam. Never mind the object itself, the box has already brought great joy.

 Can you experience joy at simply receiving what you want? Does its wrapping also bring joy? Ki to Happiness appreciates forethought that avoided stress and replaced it with anticipation and play.

Recovering from from my trip, I’m grounded in my practices and my home. My clients benefit as I am more available to facilitate their process when I have all my supplies at hand and have taken care of myself. Private miracles occurred in sessions yesterday that linger with me today.

I count each miracle as a gift for me, while clients receive it as it’s intended for them. A Course in Miracles states that “no one is healed alone.” I experience that as truth as I consciously serve others which also serves me.

Who do you serve? How does it serve you? Ki to Happiness serves the One in All.

Perhaps the news of the government reopening will bring relief to some of the stress in our country. As I traveled, I experienced the negative fact regarding my flights, but otherwise out here in the deep blue of Seattle, I had not been directly affected. That experience did bring me more compassion for those who elsewhere have been furloughed or worse.

My internal government never shut down. I continued to govern myself as I plan to for the perceivable future. In the sovereign nation of Ki McGraw, all is well.

How did the shutdown affect you? What will you do differently now that the government has reopened? Ki to Happiness self governs through every administration.

After the stresses of travel, I allowed myself the day off. It afforded me a chance to get unpacked and rest. Today I am ready to resume my responsibilities.

Listening to guidance by taking the time to tend to myself gives me a chance to practice what I preach. With my energy restored, I’ll be a more effective facilitator for my students and clients. Overall, the process reminds me of the need for deep rest to encourage others.

When Guidance leads you to rest, do you resist? Instead of pushing through with caffeine or sugar, can you honor the signals? Ki to Happiness is rested and ready.