The Sun in Autumn Season

The sun had dyed everything gold in this magical autumn season. The greatness of pastel blue stretched out above me, the colour clear and full of life with clouds that rolled silently through the sky. The shimmer of the rising sun radiated onto the stillness of the sea, jetting bright colours of gold along the rippling waters. It was one of the most serene and stress free places I always found myself stuck in, my hiding place.

Silence covered this area like a warm blanket and the only sounds I could here were the crunching leaves beneath my dancing feet. The delicate leaves from the now naked trees were scattered all along the winding pathway making it a wonderfully colourful wonderland full of ruby reds, scorched-oranges and burnt browns. The leaves sat patiently waiting for me to pass by offering each one my foot to help them reach their crunching potential. Turning my head towards the backdrop of the forest on my right, I looked past the lifeless trees and caught a glimpse of sparkling light from a stream. Approaching the water, I noticed how transparent it was, so clear that I could see all the small dancing pebbles at the bottom of the waterbed. I saw shadow of scaly fish freely swimming silently, minding their own business. It was so peaceful here; I never want to leave this magical place.

While thinking about my hiding places true magnificence, all of a sudden the sun was harshly blocked by large grey muscular clouds. Small droplets of rain began to fall and hit the streams surface creating pitter-patter noises, completely destroying the peace. The droplets grew fatter and the air became cold and icy. The light breeze had gained more power from the clouds above as it tousled my hair and pinked my cheeks. I searched for shelter finding the best I could underneath a large towering tree. I sat up against the ripped brown bark of the trees stomach then snuggled more into my hood to keep myself blocked from the surrounding rain war and against the peace of my hiding place and the thunderous clouds. I was finally warm again while a waited like a caterpillar in a cocoon ready to break free.

As the rain began to surrender and fall asleep, the birds started to sing again and the gate of authoritative clouds began to disappear. It was like nature had comeback from hibernation thrilled to meet the beaming sun once again after a long time of waiting. Even in the still coldness of air, I remained in my relaxed hiding place, delighted that I was in this natural environment that I called home. Birds hovered above me as their raven black wings flapped against the struggle of the wind. The trees, in which luminescent gold sun rays cascaded and seeped through the lasting autumn leaves making it enigmatically beautiful, was filled with wood peckers tapping and frogs rabbiting like hiccups that never seemed to end.

I took a deep breath and sighed as the eaves whistled against the now sift sleepy wind. They were an enchanting orchestra. The sun held her hands above the forest moving her fingers gracefully like a pianist passionately playing their most prized possession. Whispers of wind danced through the trees, twirling through the round smooth gaps. Trickling like a small pitter-patter of steps, the now overflowing stream fell quickly but slowly. I could smell a hint of honey dancing mixed with the sweetness of vanilla that came from the flowerbed waving a peaceful goodbye at me as a gracefully rose to return home.

Autumn in the Woods

Being in the woods during the oncoming season of autumn can be a little overwhelming. Mother Nature puts on such a grand show that it’s difficult to know where to look first.  There is color everywhere, from the tops of the trees that are still retaining their leaves to the forest floor carpeted with the multicolored leaves that have let go. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality while also refreshing and rejuvenating us. The feeling of being immersed in nature is believed to be calming, also reducing rates of stress and anxiety. My intentions during my time spent in the woods is to pay attention and to look at my own habits of distraction. No analyzing and no judgments, just observation.

Autumn has a peculiar personality of its own which is powerfully attractive. It is a time to get out and enjoy the last rays of sun which can warm your skin. To hear the crisp sound of dried leaves under your feet, to go for a walk on a foggy morning and to indulge in the smoke of wood fire that drifts to our nostrils. But what is it exactly about the season that turns one’s thoughts to the end of things? Is it the yellow browns, the crisp chill in the air that foreshadows the cold snap of winter? While all that undoubtedly takes place, autumn is also full of life too; outdoor walks, trick or treating with friends, Thanksgiving with family, romantic rides in the countryside to see the changing colors of the foliage, all these represent some of life’s most memorable moments. Perhaps that is why autumn is so often linked with reflection. It causes the mind to stop and pause, to look back, while also musing on.

I strolled through the woods pushing and crunching leaves beneath my feet with every step I took on this crisp fall September afternoon. The dominant earthy smells of fall were largely the product of plants hunkering down for the winter. I could see that the Autumn leaves began to decay and their sugars and organic compounds in the leaf break down, created the classic musky-sweet smell of a leaf pile. As I walked along listening to the wrestling of the leaves still clinging to its limbs above, I glanced up and observed the colors dancing and flowing within the breeze. It was on this walk in which I had come to the realization with the sun going down, and the wind whistling by, that autumn is such an emotional season. As it gives a breath of fresh air to your spirit and the earth around you, it’s also there to remind you that summer’s warmth has departed, and winters grip is not far away. On this day, I stopped to soak up the moment of glory all while the colors showcased its beauty, breathing in the crisp air of Autumn.

I’ve discovered many techniques for grounding and connecting with Earth. The most effective for me are often the simplest. Walking in nature is powerful, as well as spending time in a green park. I find that being barefoot and feeling the ground beneath my feet, instantly rekindles my deep root connection with the earth. I love to spend time connecting with anything natural; communing with the trees; adoring wildlife; feeling the majesty of the rolling hills and mountains or running my hands through a flowing river. Of course, a stroll in the woods during any time of the year, even of the coldest months in winter, is good for the mind, body, and soul. However, an autumn walk is a real experience for the senses. The leaves rustle and crunch beneath your feet, the air is wonderfully fresh, and the last rays of sunshine warm your face. Autumn is precisely the right time to wrap yourself up warm and go on an excursion through the woods.

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