Beyond the Mask: A Celebration of Love That Never Dies
Last Friday was October 31, and I know some of you celebrated Halloween by carving pumpkins and dressing up in costumes. I have to be honest. This holiday isn’t one of my favorites. Maybe it’s because I don’t enjoy being scared, or perhaps the appeal of dressing up has faded after wearing amazing costumes daily during my seven years in the Entertainment Department at Walt Disney World. Although Halloween has many fun traditions, I resonate more with the autumn holiday that follows it on November 1 and 2: El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead).
El Día de los Muertos originated in Mexico, but many of you are probably familiar with it now that it has spread to other countries, even here in the U.S. If you aren’t familiar with it, the name might sound a little creepy. But unlike Halloween, it’s not about ghosts or zombies. El Día de los Muertos is a holiday that gives us the opportunity to celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed. Families honor their ancestors by creating ofrendas, or offerings. These altars are decorated with candles, bright yellow marigolds, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of those being honored. It’s meant to be a joyful celebration — not somber or scary.
The creators of the Disney/Pixar animated film Cocodid an amazing job capturing the spirit and essence of El Día de los Muertos. Beautiful music and stunning visuals provide the backdrop for this touching story about an ancestor who doesn’t want to be forgotten and a young boy who longs to connect with his great-great-grandfather through music. As I often do this time of year, I highly recommend watching Coco to celebrate El Día de los Muertos. (Make sure you have some tissues handy!)
Like Coco, my work with Family Constellations has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of honoring those who have come before us. When we acknowledge and give everyone their place in the family, we gain access to a tremendous amount of support. It also helps us break unhealthy family patterns or release trauma that has been passed down for generations. I have witnessed more miracles than I can count since being introduced to this work in 2012. To learn more about this one-of-a-kind healing experience, please visit the Family Constellations page on my website. If you feel inspired to give it a try, you can book a private session or attend a group session.
I hope you had fun celebrating Halloween by dressing up, going to parties, taking the kids trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, or whatever your favorite traditions might be. Even thought El Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 or 2, it's not too late to take a moment to think of your ancestors with gratitude for the challenges they met and overcame to give you a chance at a better life. Flip through an old family photo album or browse old photos on your computer. Light a candle to honor them. Prepare a favorite family meal or listen to music that reminds you of them. However you choose to hold them in your heart, know that your ancestors will be grateful to be remembered.
And most importantly, remember the best way to honor your ancestors is to live a happy, healthy, and prosperous life.
Love is the way I walk in gratitude.
A Course in Miracles ~ Workbook Lesson 195