That’s Right! Halloween Is A Yogi’s Holiday

I go back and forth about this “holiday” every year. Loving it one day, dreading it the next. The kids love to dress up and most especially love (I did say LOVE) the candy.

In years past, we’ve lived in a community that celebrates Halloween with a kid’s-eye to excitement. One of my neighbors would always put on a special fun-house experience for kids of all ages. (Yes, I pretty much got roped into it every year, trying to out do myself with my costume year after year!)

It really does come down to the costumes. And boy oh boy we had access to great costumes. What do you want to be this year? Can I get a wig with that?

And so I ponder…is Halloween for Yogis?

  1. Reincarnation, It’s All in the Costume: A yogi can be whatever they want from year to year! Like living a different incarnation in one day. Well maybe in a few days, as it does take time to plan and get the costume. And the best part is you can give it back! Thus completing that cycle in short order!
  2. Centering, Staying in the Spine Amidst Seemingly Crashing Worlds: That incessant ringing of the doorbell. It has been said, and this is a great time to remind us that, AUM is in every sound. The yogi tries to hear AUM in everything, even the 78th ring of the doorbell. And staying centered and calm through ghosts, goulies, witches, vampires, zombies, and the odd Frankenstein or two, is always good too.
  3. Karma vs. Dharma, The Real Trick or Treat: This is a wonderful opportunity for the yogi to work on two spiritual practices. The yogi consciously choosing dharma and using awareness of karma. I think that we know which is which. Secondly is the practice of Japa. The repeating of a prayer or sacred word, all night long. Helping to increase awareness and focus.e
  4. Gratitude, A Lifetime of Finding Contentment in all Things: Blessed gratitude and good manners. The ability for the yogi to be grateful for whatever treat is received. And to offer gratitude by thanking the giver–no matter what.
  5. Detachment, The True Art of Letting Go: That special guideline for the yogi, “People are more important than things,” and the annual homage that is paid to the parent (or companion) when returning with the candy-filled bag. Offering up that beloved piece. Ah, the price of a night of receiving, is then to give. Having true detachment and giving it without thought or hesitation.

See, there is so much to learn on this special day!