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I practiced an old ritual yesterday of loosely, tying knots in a ribbon, representing patterns of energy. As I untied the knots, I envisioned freedom from those patterns. Then I draped the loose ribbon around in my space as a reminder that that work is done.

This simple ritual symbolizes to my unconscious that all is well. Energy is available to move freely in the direction of my intention. As I free myself, my intention is to deepen my ability to serve others near and far, in group classes as well as privately.

What energy knots would you like to untie? Are you willing to try this simple ritual? Ki to Happiness loosens the knots that bind energy so to freely help others do the same in many different ways.

This morning, the cats did not get me up at 4 AM. As I stirred at 4:20, I called out to them. I placed my feet on the ground without first saying thank you for my life.

I’ve adopted the practice of giving thanks first thing.  Today, it was second thing, as I found sleepy cats and fed them. In the future, even if they don’t wake me, I’ll do better by giving thanks first thing anyway.

What do you do first thing? What might you do better? Ki to Happiness continues to do better, with daily improvements, grateful for the opportunity.

Before there were cell phones, my family used CB in case of emergency on our remote Canadian island. My dad chose “groundhog” as his handle. He let go of the island long ago, and his sweet body, too, but the Ground Hog Day remains.

Today,  the prognosticating rodent in Pennsylvania will let us know if we’re likely to have an early spring or if deep winter will continue. Whatever is the case, I will forever think of my dad on this day and remember our summers in Canada without phones, electricity or indoor toilets. Cherishing the best of times and integrating them into the fabric of my being, whether Phil sees his shadow or not. 

What national day of observation would you like to be remembered by? Which memories of your childhood do you cherish? Ki to Happiness looks for shadows and smiles.

As the new month begins, we have a full moon in Leo. Its light helps to illuminate our emotions and make use of them towards manifestation. Having made the best of the month of January, we observe midwinter as we look for signs of Spring.

Sarcococca blooms in our neighborhood, offering its scent which has lead to its nickname of Sweet Box. Snow drops lower their pretty heads in the wind as early daffodils stand proud. The Ground Hog will prognosticate Spring’s date of arriving in Pennsylvania, while here in the PNW we see it is already on its way.

What emotions are illuminated in this full moon for you? How would you like for them to manifest in Spring? Ki to Happiness feels grateful for the lessons of winter and looks forward to manifesting them as blessings.



As we say farewell to January, it is a beautiful time to be quiet and introspective. Tomorrow’s full moon arrives on Imbolc, which is the midwinter celebration that has turned into Groundhog Day on February 2. My Irish ancestors and others considered this the beginning of the new year.

The full moon will amplify our emotions and highlight the need for stillness as we observe the return of light. Having just come through deep darkness and cold in the northern hemisphere, there may be a need to let go of the lessons. In this way, the lessons may become blessings in the spring.

What have you been learning? Can you experience these opportunities as blessings? Ki to Happiness witnesses the transformation of lessons into blessings, shining the light of intention in stillness and silence.

Today is the three-year anniversary since my dad passed away. I miss his sweetness and his physical presence. Our family dynamics have changed a lot without him.

In his way, I gathered more hyacinths for our humble planting strip. I cut off the brown fern fronds, beautifying our entrance. He is with me as I garden, beautify our entrance, and look to the sky for birds or clouds as we approach Groundhog Day’s promise of renewal.

In what way do you honor the anniversaries of the deceased? Can you embody the best of them and let go of the rest? Ki to Happiness gardens in the dead of winter for the promise of spring.

Yoga helps us to bounce back from stress on any level. Recently more neurologists and influencers have been utilizing aspects of the practice to help us all. I appreciate the way that they demonstrate how just a few slow, deep breaths, or an unusual posture can start to bring us back into our ability to respond and not react.

The traffic in Seattle has become a nightmare again. One student arrived frantic and late last night, and within a few moments she felt the joy within uprisings again. Seeing it in another reinforces for me, my dedication and commitment to this path.

What helps you bounce back? How quickly can you do that? Ki to Happiness bounces back as soon as possible with breath, alignment, meditation, and prayer.

I am forever grateful for all the birthday love showered upon me yesterday. It included the natural blessing of rain returning. This morning I opened the windows to 42° as we let in the moist air and start the day in the afterglow and aftermath of doing 65 backbends.

Gifts, flowers, gift cards, phone calls, DMs, Facebook greetings all poured in as we continued our regular schedule of classes. We are starting to plan our zoo outing for all who wish to attend when the baby lion cubs are a little bit bigger. The Dosen in our HYC community says maybe in about a month, which gives everyone a chance to plan.

What token of love do you appreciate? Can you provide them for yourself? Ki to Happiness can and is especially grateful to have others make their offerings, too, as my life would be nothing without You.

Mom and I got set up for a birthday call a day early yesterday. Her world has thawed out enough for her to go out and about today, so just in case we were going to miss each other, we scheduled early. I got all ready with my tea and sat down, accidentally kicking it over and spilling the tea.

We both are aware that that metaphor refers to having a deep meaningful conversation in which we share the truth of our soul. So that’s what we did. I sat there with the mess all around me, heater on to dry the carpet, as we laughed and cried, told new stories and shared memories.

Who do you spill the tea with? How comfortable are you with the messes in your life? Ki to Happiness celebrates 65 years of messes, clean ups and deep sharing.

Seattle Seahawks are celebrating their win. We head to the Super Bowl again for the first time since 2014. We are predicted to go all the way.

As we watched the game, there were tense moments, especially with the taunting penalty. Bob’s passion turned to anger, cussing and pounding his fists, saying that the poor sportsmanship should result in firing. He startled the cats but then commented on how detached they were from the outcome.

Does your passion ignite with the home teams? Can you detach from the outcome? Ki ti Happiness celebrates the victorious home team and thanks the cats for their detachment.