Wow! What a week! It's really seemed to just fly by. It always seems like the time surrounding a holiday goes so quickly. This week seems to be no different. However, I want to slow down a minute. Catch my breath and open to the blessings of the day.
Today, is Samhain Eve or Halloween. I love this day! When I was younger, like all kids, I loved dressing up and trick or treating and such. There was always such a mystery and magic attached to this day for me. As I grew older, I began to realize why. The more I learned about the traditions and history of this mystical day, the more I realized the importance of it.
For me, Samhain is the time of year to give thanks and prepare for the winter months that lay ahead. In ancient times, it was time for the last harvest. The livestock was brought in from the fields and the last of the harvested goods were prepared for keeping for the winter. What couldn't be kept was typically used in celebration of the final harvest and for giving thanks for all that the harvest had brought. So, this day reminds me of that gratitude.
grat·i·tude
ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
noun
- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
So, much has been said and taught about gratitude and what it means to live in gratitude. I have certainly learned that living in gratitude doesn't mean just one or two days a year. It means everyday. Waking up every morning and being thankful for all that you have. You see. Gratitude is a cycle--a flow. It is not static. In being grateful, we create more of those things for which we are grateful. In creating that flow of abundance, we find that we have not only enough for us. But, enough to share with rest of the world. So, we pay it forward. We share our abundance with the rest of the world. Lo and behold, look what happens! More abundance! So, by learning to live in this cycle daily, we set up a constant flow. That is an amazing space in which to be. But, it all starts with saying Thank you! "Thank you, Spirit, for all of the amazing things in my life." And Samhain is a great time to give that thanks voice and celebrate!
Another great thing about Samhain is that it's a time to celebrate the Ancestors and all of those who have gone before. Those who have blazed the trails. Those who have contributed to our growth both literally and figuratively.
Some people believe that there is a veil that separates this world, our physical world, from the world of Spirit. At Samhain, this veil thins and it becomes easier for these energies to make themselves known. So, this is considered a great time to honor the spirits of the Ancestral Dead. In many latin countries, like Mexico and South America, there a festivals and celebrations that happen at this time of year. Dia De Los Muertos has also gained popularity in the U.S. as a way to celebrate those who have not only contributed physically to our being here but spiritually as well. This tradition,of course, is not limited to Latin America. For many ancient cultures it was a common practice to honor the Ancestors.
Furthermore, not only do we honor our direct ancestors, we can also honor great teachers, ascended master and those who have taught and influenced us from the other side of the veil. Buddha, Jesus, Einstein, whoever you look to for guidance when are looking for inspiration. We all have our heroes. The energy of those heroes can move us forward. One phrase that seems to have gained popularity in the last few years is "WWJD". "What would Jesus do?" I have seen the phrase used with other names substituted for Jesus. So, regardless of the names used, it is the inspiration or guidance that one is seeking that matters. So, celebrate your heroes. Even if you didn't know them personally, their energies are all around you. Those inspiring stories you read about your heroes or the movies you watch. The knowledge of their accomplishments. All serve to inspire you. So, I invite you to celebrate that. Thank Buddha for his guidance. Thank Einstein for his genius. Thank Jesus for his peace and calm. Whatever your heroes give you. Thank them for it.
So, when we look around at our life and do an honest personal survey. We see that we have a lot for which we can be thankful. So, give thanks everyday! But today, maybe say or do something a little extra. Celebrate the Harvest of all the great work you have done over the last year and get those new seeds ready for planting.
Happy Samhain to all on both sides of the Veil!
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