The age-old tradition of Halloween is upon us, its origins stemming from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when bonfires were lit, and people wore costumes to ward off ghosts. It’s a time of fantasy and fun, at any age. And while we may not necessarily engage in this tradition, there are some insights for us in this experience of All Hallows Eve.
As children, one of the most exciting aspects of October 31st, is the act of dressing up, being able to transform ourselves into anything we can imagine. In the modern age, Halloween isn’t about warding off evil but engaging in the fantastical, the connection with community and well, maybe a bit about those yummy, bite-sized candies.
As adults, and particularly as thriving Anderson College students, you do not need a costume, you ARE transforming your lives’ day by day, class by class.
You don’t need a cape, but you are a hero for your loved ones
as you soar to new heights professionally and personally.
This month we celebrate the transformation of YOU – overcoming fears, seeing challenges from a perspective of possibility, and taking life to new levels of extraordinary, becoming exactly what you imagine!
Today’s read is approximately 3 minutes.
Inside this Edition:
- A Thought to Ponder
- A Short Story to Inspire
- 2 Short Videos to Motivate
A Thought to Ponder
“If human beings had genuine courage, they’d wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween.” – Douglas Coupland
We celebrate you, as Anderson students, who bravely suit up everyday to make your dreams come true! We are honoured to be on the journey with you, and from time-to-time to help you wrap that cape around your shoulders and soar … Up, up, up and away!
A Short Story to Inspire – The Way Out of Fear
Once there was a young warrior. Her teacher told her that she had to do battle with fear. She didn’t want to. It seemed too aggressive; it was scary; it seemed unfriendly. But the teacher said she had to do it and offered her instructions for the battle.
The day arrived. The student warrior stood on one side, and fear stood on the other. The warrior felt very small, and fear was looking big and wrathful.
They both had their weapons. The young warrior roused herself and went toward fear, and asked, “May I have permission to go into battle with you?”
Fear said, “Thank you for showing me so much respect in asking permission.”
Then the young warrior said, “How can I defeat you?”
Fear, returning the respect shown, replied, “My weapons are that I talk fast, and get very close to your face. Then you get completely unnerved and do whatever I say. If you don’t do what I tell you, I have no power. You can listen to me, you can have respect for me, you can even be convinced by me, but if you don’t do what I say, I have no power.”
In that way, the student warrior learned how to defeat fear.
The Moral: Fear will always be present. But as you too have experienced in conquering the challenges of your own life, we can, in fact, dispel illusion, turn toward truth and reclaim our power over our own choices and success.
Source: Pema Chödrön
An adaptation of “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times”
2 Short Videos to Motivate
Disney-Pixar “Piper” Short
The Obstacles in our Path
Conclusion
You need not dress up this Halloween. Every day you brave the world with your sights set on the image you will become, the costume you will wear and the life you will achieve. But if you do celebrate for fun, be sure to help yourself to an extra handful of treats (in whatever form that takes). You have definitely earned it, Happy Halloween.
