Thank Goodness It's Monday #328

MAKE MAGIC ON HALLOWEEN

The countdown to Halloween 2011 finalizes today – although, for a great many kids, as well as some adults, and certainly for all those retail establishments that sell candy by the bag, the “observance” has been going on for quite a while.

Despite the commerciality, scary movie tie ins and adoption of All-Hallows’-Eve naming rights, the origins of the observance comes down to us from the pre-Christian era Celtic festival of Samhain, held on the last autumn night in the northern hemisphere.

On this night – considered Celtic New Year – the Druids believed that the supernatural world drew closer to the physical world, so human beings were more susceptible to the influence and power of the unseen.

Making magic. Magic spells could be cast more easily. Divination was more revealing. Dreams held special significance.

This capsule history is adapted from Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book Simple Abundance. She continues:

 "I believe that Halloween is the perfect reminder that magic flows through us, mystery infuses every encounter of every day.

“We conjure up the shoe that cannot be found anywhere in the house … transform leftovers into a feast … coax a bounty from the barren earth … banish fear … heal hurts … make money stretch till the end of the month.

“We do all this and much more.

“But most (people) aren’t aware of their tremendous power for good.”

TGIM Takeaway: What a success-minded approach to an occasion that’s become so overcommercialized and even subject to criticism!

As Breathnach suggests, isn’t magic what we perform daily?

Don’t we – as leaders in our families, communities and in the business world shape forces with creativity … bring into the physical world something that existed only in the realm of imagination?

TGIM ACTION IDEA: If this can be done virtually unconsciously, how much more might we accomplish – how much more success might we achieve – if we remain fully attune to our “magical” powers?

“I am sure there is magic in everything …” observed Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett (1849 – 1924). She was a playwright and author best known today for her children's stories, in particular The Secret Garden and Little Lord Fauntleroy (which, although an anachronism now, was the Harry Potter of its time and made her essentially the J. K. Rowling of her day; wealthy, celebrated and influential).

“I am sure there is magic in everything’” she said –

“Only we have not the sense to get hold and make it do things for us.”

Maybe now we do.

As the co-creator with Eric Taylor of the Best Year Ever program, I support the concept that a “New Year” begins whenever you say it does. And I intend to observe and celebrate every cultural “New Year” occasion, official or otherwise.

TGIM IDEA IN ACTION: With a New Year insight on Halloween/Samhain, consider all the lives you touch. Commit to using your magical powers most wisely and effectively – today and every day.

Catching the Halloween spirit. Trying to be a little less Muggle and a little more magical.

Geoff Steck
Chief Catalyst
Alexander Publishing & Marketing

8 Depot Square
Englewood, NJ 07631
201-569-5373
tgimguy@gmail.com   

P.S. Top 10 Signs You May Be Too Old to Be Trick or Treating

Life-like, life-size sculptures

created by contemporary artist

Gilles Barbier

for his work

Super Hero Nursing Home

10. You get winded from knocking on the door.

  9. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.
  8. You ask for high-fiber candy only.
  7. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance.
  6. People say, "Great Keith Richards mask!" -- and you're not wearing a mask.
  5. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or..." and can't remember the rest.
  4. By the end of the night, you have a bag full of restraining orders.
  3. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece.
  2. You're the only costumed super hero in the neighborhood with a walker.
  1. You avoid going to houses where your ex-wives live.