Dear Readers, Oct.31 , 2008

The ancient observance of Halloween has its origins in a celebration of the end of harvest time, and the death of plants and animals sacrificed for human food stores. It was thought that the possible "evil spirits" that could ruin these stored foods for the winter could be scared off, or placated by humans through scarey costumes, artifacts and storytelling.

The costume idea has always set me to wondering about its deeper meaning. I've thought that in a way, the anonymity a costume affords is liberating to a certain type of exhibitionist personality. But lately, I'm thinking that some of the scariness of a Halloween costume could relate to how things may not be what they seem. It's a great metaphor in these political and economic times.

Ultimately, as Franklin Roosevelt declared, the worst kind of fear, is the fear of fear itself. If you can set aside the fear of being scared, it then makes it possible to observe what exactly it is you are afraid of. The naming of a specific fear allows us to learn something about ourselves, and allow us to access our "gut feelings" about the issue that fear had been covering up.

That fear of one's life being out of control, or controlled by scarey people, has been amped up to unprecedented levels during this election cycle. Adding all the negative economic revelations to the mix has only made it worse. The masks have come off only to reveal a more terrifying result.

Still, what about all that is actually fearful specifically to me? The answer to that question allows for a course of action, and in taking action--whether it be spiritually, emotionally, or physically--dispels those fears and puts us back in control.

Until next time...

In vibrant health,


Shay Arave
President
Subtle Energy Solutions