Halloween and  

Time to Reflect 

The unofficial ghost hunting season starts this month with plenty of activities for those wanting to attend local ghost walks or investigate a haunted house. Ghosts are preparing as well. Everywhere, they are practicing their light flickering skills and testing their chains to rattle.  Some are saving their whispers for just the right moment to scare the pants off their hosts. It is Halloween and the time of year when we notice those things that go "bump" in the night. The paranormal becomes popular, and there is sure to be a new movie out soon featuring a fantastic tale about ghastly creatures or spirits with extraordinary abilities. These images are the ones we think of these days because they are in the media and our retail establishments. The kids love the opportunity to dress up and play "trick or treat" on Halloween.

Traditionally, this time of year marks celebrations such as "All Saints Day", "All Souls Day", and the Latin American, "Day of the Dead".  These are serious events celebrating the lives of crossed-over heroes and loved ones. The commercialization of Halloween and negative images about spirits, however, has become predominant. We can joke about paranormal activities and choose to make light of the season, but there is a time when we need to reflect about those that have come before us.

Remembering our crossed-over loved ones is not limited to just one time of year, but this month we can take an extra moment to acknowledge those special people from our past. Lighting a candle, attending a religious service, donating to a favorite cause in memory of a person, or visiting a grave site honors those in spirit. A private moment of silence is enough to reflect upon a special person. It can be a family event honoring a "great" member that is no longer here to celebrate with us. There are many ways we can show tribute to others.

The people in our past have shaped us, and a dignified expression of our appreciation for them can be a grounding event. Reflection can be centering and remind us of good times we spent with those we loved.  The commercialization and talk of paranormal activity is a veil for the true meaning of Halloween. The start of this new season is about remembering the past, and it sets up the holidays celebrating the present and the future.

This year, amidst the ghosts and goblins of Halloween, we should think of those who have gone before us and have given us the opportunity to have good lives. We enjoy the fruits of their labor and probably share many, if not all, of their values. Be sure to have a happy and safe Halloween while reflecting and celebrating those we loved but are now in spirit!

John Cappello