Autumn is my favourite season and I take every opportunity to get outside to enjoy the full sensory experience of this spectacular time of year. When I walk in the woods in the fall in South Western Ontario, it seems like every sense is stimulated more than usual.
Walking along quiet paths and trails, the crisp air heightens the glorious fall colours. Regardless of the weather, the bright yellow, red, brown and orange hues of the leaves on the trees, not only light up the sky but radiate warmth underfoot as well. Dorothy may have had a ‘yellow-brick’ road but I feel so happy following a ‘yellow-leaf’ road.
And one of the reasons I feel so happy, is that I love the sound of the crunch and rustle of the fallen leaves. I get to kick the leaves and remember times as a child when we would jump into huge leaf piles or throw them around having great leaf fights. It is hard not to smile when I stroll along a pathway of freshly fallen leaves.
Strolling is the only speed for an autumn walk. You get to slow down to absorb and enjoy the full sensory experience. Often I will stop and just smell the air. There are so many interesting aromas and exotic earthy scents outside in the fall. It is almost like Mother Nature is sharing some of her last unique gifts before the cold winter sets in.
Whether with friends or alone, an autumn walk just feels so different than a hike at any other time of the year. For me it can be reflective and emotional. I feel so blessed to be able to appreciate the gifts of this season. And even when the cold November winds start to blow, I will continue to stroll along outside for as long as possible, to enjoy the last vestiges of autumn’s splendor.
What memories are stirred up for you when you head out for an autumn walk?
October 27, 2014
Carol, are you suggesting that it may be time to close the pool!!
October 27, 2014
Only if you need to avoid the leaves!
October 28, 2014
Carol, Autumn is my favorite season too. I love the crisp air, the light, the colors of leaves and grasses. One of my favorite Autumn memories is of a Thanksgiving day in Missouri when I was sent out of the house for asking one too many times when the turkey would be done. I took a long walk, enjoying the leaves – some still on trees, many crunching underfoot – and the smell of the leaves mixing with the smells of Thanksgiving meals being prepared. Thanks for your post and the reminder to savor this season.
October 28, 2014
Thanks for the lovely story!
November 5, 2014
Each place holds memories. Each place has a feeling to it, a history, an inspiring spirit in the natural beauty.
More important than what you see, hear, smell, taste, touch, or even think, in nature, or anywhere else – is what you feel inside.
If a person wants to find answers in life – they have to ask questions.
It’s better to ask these questions in nature. Then does the subconscious awaken and give a person answers. What you “feel” inside – is your answer. Whatever that feeling – be it positive or negative.
Hopefully, more positive.