The Value of "Seasonal Scaries"

I have always had a conflicted relationship with the Autumn Equinox and changing of the seasons. The smatterings of red, oranges, and yellows I so adore also signify that shorter, darker, and colder days are near. That sense of impending doom is the perfect ingredient for what I call the “Seasonal Scaries.” 

Perhaps this is why Pagan communities created elaborate festivals to celebrate the harvest bounty and communally lean into the fear and death anxiety all humans share, especially when change is upon us. And yet, personally, I’ve never enjoyed the horror genre or accompanying rituals much. It’s too overstimulating for my nervous system as a natural empath and highly sensitive type and I find myself wondering, if there is enough to be fearful about in today’s world, why experience it, intentionally, for fun?? But maybe that’s entirely the point. 

When we perceive a threat–real or imagined–that anxiety floods our systems with cortisol and adrenaline prompting us to freeze, fight, flight, or fawn–temporarily compromising our executive functioning with its creative problem solving and higher reasoning abilities in the process. This state of hypervigilance has become all too familiar as a mother living in a densely populated urban setting with very real daily safety hazards. Not to mention that my own livelihood is forever and inextricably linked to others who are more vulnerable and dependent. (Now THAT’s scary!)

But when I am regulated, with my full internal toolkit easily accessible, I can remind myself of the power of prioritizing creative play for developmental growth–for both kids and adults. This includes screaming our lungs out at our local public school’s makeshift haunted house and dressing up in a family costume for Halloween. It’s the magic of the funny scarecrow or the creepy clown. Laughter provides a much-needed cortisol flush, calming the parasympathetic nervous system. Here’s to finding opportunities for imaginary play, and safe, novel experiences in small doses that gently push us out of our comfort zones to make space for relaxation and joy.

Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C