My neighborhood is dressed with skeletons and gravestones in preparation for Halloween. Little kids are running around in their costumes and grownups are buying candy by the pound. At yoga, the teacher talked about Day of the Dead, inviting us to consider what needs to die within us so that something new can be created.
As the days get shorter and we find ourselves wrapped in more darkness than light, now is a natural time to learn from our shadow. Are we holding onto pain or anger or doubt? Do dark thoughts keep us from meeting the world with light and love? What actions cast shade on ourselves or others?
Many times we don't like to look at the darkness within us. It seems almost as dangerous at looking directly at the sun. But if we can find a softness for our dark side, and meet that darkness with grace and compassion, we can fall in love with ourselves on a whole new level. We can start to gently question how our darkness has served us over the years and appreciate the role it has played. And maybe, just maybe, we can generously set that darkness free, letting it die from within ourselves so that something new can be born.
As we enter Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day, celebrating life and death, consider what you are ready to release from your life. Then reflect on what it is that you want to create for yourself from this newly opened space. Remember that just like breathing in and out, letting go is the critical predecessor to letting in.
The Gift of Inspiration
When I walk through my local shops, I am taken aback by the first signs of the holidays. It seems that everyone except me prepares for the winter holidays before I even think about decorating for Halloween.Just in case you're one of those early birds, I thought I'd remind you of some inspiring holiday gifts you can buy for yourself or someone you love.
Our Etsy store is way more awesome than Amazon for finding wearable inspiration and meaningful stocking stuffers. Go ahead. Get something for you and someone you love!