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And the World Could Be One
Just imagine it (with apologies to John Lennon)
I recently attended an event where everyone was welcome. It didn’t matter what shape or size you were, what color or nationality, whether you were one of the elite or poor as a church mouse. No one cared what language you spoke or what kind of food you ate. It didn’t matter if you were old, young, or somewhere in between. No one cared about your political affiliation, and no one was sharing their opinion. There was joy in the air, and everyone had a wonderful time.
Does this sound like a fantasy to you? It was at a local trunk-or-treat.
Why do we all tend to get along so well this time of year? For one thing, hiding behind a mask is incredibly freeing. A Halloween mask offers privacy and creative freedom. It helps people step beyond their everyday identities and welcome the novelty of the occasion.
Halloween provides a “play” environment. Experiences outside your norm stimulate the brain’s reward pathways, increase dopamine and promote positive emotions — which leads back to feeling accepted.
Interactions are casual, needing no follow up. People may not ever know who you were — and for your average introvert, that’s very appealing!
