Embracing Fun: A Mindful Reflection of Halloween
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a blog post because, well, life has been busy. Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of that busyness and the stress that comes with it. Then, as the Universe often does, it sent a little nudge my way.
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Through this series with Townsend Draft Goods, she shares simple, meaningful ways to bring mindfulness and meditation into everyday life.
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The Importance of Embracing Fun
I came across an article about the importance of embracing fun, especially when we’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and how reconnecting with our childlike sense of play can be a powerful act of mindfulness. Since it's the day after Halloween, it felt like the perfect time to pause, reflect, and write about just that.
As kids, having fun is effortless.
Kids play, laugh, and soak in every moment without thinking twice. As adults, though, we often push fun aside, thinking life is too serious. Yet research and mindfulness practice remind us that embracing fun isn’t just enjoyable - it’s essential for our well-being. Moments of joy, laughter, and playfulness ground us in the present, reduce stress, and reconnect us to our authentic selves.
Halloween always brings this to mind for me.
Growing up, my mom was a huge fan. She decorated our house more for Halloween than any other holiday and would even dress up with friends to visit neighbors, playing little tricks. Those memories still make my siblings and me laugh.
While my childhood Halloweens are many years ago, my mom is still remembered by many in my hometown as the person who loved Halloween. Young adults today tell me they remember their parents taking them to our house to trick-or-treat and see Mom’s many fun decorations. Looking back, I realize she was showing us the magic of embracing fun and joy as a mindful practice.
Did you tap into playful spirit?
Reflecting on this Halloween, did you tap into that same playful spirit? Think about the Dress up, carved pumpkins, going to the party, or taking the kids trick-or-treating. Fun isn’t just a treat; it’s nourishment for your mind, body, and spirit. By embracing playful moments, we strengthen our ability to live in the present, relieve stress, and reconnect with what brings us joy.
This year, I embraced the fun by dressing up and attended a neighborhood party, passed out candy to the local kids, and enjoyed games, laughter, and good company with friends.
However you chose to celebrate, I hope you found your own way to embrace the fun - fully, mindfully, and with a joyful heart.
Bring that same childlike joy into everyday life
As we move through this holiday season, maybe the real mindfulness practice is to bring that same childlike joy into everyday life - finding moments to play, laugh, and be fully present long after the Halloween decorations come down.
About the Author
Betsy is a certified meditation teacher and career coach based in Southern California. She’s been practicing meditation since 2018 and became certified through the davidji Master of Wisdom & Meditation Teacher Training Academy in 2024. With over 20 years of experience in career development, she also serves as an adjunct professor in the California State University system and is the co-founder of a veteran service organization.
Through this series with Townsend Draft Goods, she shares simple, meaningful ways to bring mindfulness and meditation into everyday life.