Enjoying Fall

Was out mountain biking this weekend enjoying the Fall colors. Air is crisp and I like the rustle of the bikes tires through the leaves. I picked some wild apples on the trail and they were delicious.

I look forward to the change in seasons. There is always something to look forward to with nature. When it is hot and humid you look forward to cool weather. When your sick of snow and cold it starts warming up with spring and the crocus and tulips bloom. While 'looking forward or backward' is not a good place to spend too much time, as my Buddhist practice reminds me, it is nice to do in a small, benign area such as enjoying the upcoming changes in nature. I especially like Fall with the glorious tree colors and cooler weather. Also like the change in foods with each season. Now am making use of the variety of squashes as well as the persimmons, quinces, cranberries and chestnuts. Hot soups, chowders and stews are starting to look good too with the crisp weather.

The Japanese make it a point to use the produce that is in season. They make the highest and best use of it. I also subscribe to this policy with the seasons themselves and make best use of them as I can. The main thing for me to remember is to take a break from the day to day hassles of life to slow down enough to enjoy what nature offers ... just by opening my eyes up. This practice of 'slowing down' will also be important for me in order to make the upcoming holiday season a pleasant one. So, Fall is my warm up for ending the year peacefully. Depending on where you live, you still have some time left to enjoy the Fall colors...so enjoy.


Take Care,