As a kid, I absolutely loved trick-or-treating. It wasn’t just about the candy (although I won’t deny it was a highlight!). It was the freedom and excitement of stepping out into the neighbourhood at night, dressed as whoever I wanted to be.
One Halloween, my sister dressed up as Peter Pan, and I thought it was the coolest costume. I would usually go as a princess or something sparkly. But she chose Peter Pan — this character full of mischief and imagination. There was something magical about her embracing the spirit of adventure and play, plus a little dose of rebellion!
Halloween lets us ‘trick’ ourselves – we try on new personas. Every costume lets us play with a new side of ourselves, even if just for a night.
It feels a lot like yoga, where each practice can be a chance to explore a different part of who we are. Some moments on the mat bring challenges (or tricks) while others offer us sweet moments of relaxation (the treats).
Treats for the Body
Here are a few things to make your practice feel satisfying and nurturing.
- Neck Release: Sit comfortably, gently tilt one ear toward your shoulder, and hold for a few breaths. Switch sides, allowing any tightness to melt away with each exhale.
- Supported Forward Fold: From a seated position, stretch your legs forward, place a bolster or pillow on your thighs, and fold over it, relaxing completely. Feel free to let your arms dangle or rest on the bolster for a soothing stretch through your back.
- Gentle Twist: While lying on your back, let your knees drop to one side and then the other, giving your spine a gentle twist. This is a perfect treat to unwind at the end of a practice or a busy day.
Tricks for the Mind
We can play with a few tricks to keep the mind focused and calm during practice.
- Alternate Nostril Breathing: This balancing breath is a clever way to calm your busy mind. Spend a few minutes breathing in through one nostril and out through the other to settle your thoughts and find focus. Learn how to do alternate nostil breath.
- Mindful Pause: Between poses or breaths, pause to notice what’s happening in your body. This trick is like pressing a mental reset button, helping you feel more present and aware throughout your practice.
- Curiosity Check-In: Instead of judging any discomfort or challenge, try approaching it with curiosity. Ask yourself what you feel and why, turning any mental resistance into a chance for discovery.
As we move through the Halloween season, may you find both the treats and tricks on your mat just as rewarding as those from childhood — a chance to explore, play, and even tap into a bit of that Peter Pan spirit.
Just as each costume was an opportunity to step into a new character, every yoga practice is an invitation to discover more of who you are.
I’d love to hear your favourite trick-or-treat stories. What side of yourself did you explore during those fun nights? Hit reply to share.
Happy Halloween, and happy practicing!
Stay spooky and inspired…
PS. Continue your journey of self-discovery this Halloween with Journaling in Motion, a free mini course combining yoga poses and reflective prompts to encourage mindful living.