Living for 5 years in Japan I eventually understand the true meaning of each season. Like spring, fall is a season of transition, a reminder of the value of change, in this case from bright, buzzing, jungle-like summer toward the dark, quiet calm of winter.
Fall is the season for all senses. The feel of cooler temperatures after a long summer. A warm, visually pleasing palate of reds, oranges and browns, the sound of crunching leaves underfoot and the smell of the air like burnt nut and wood smoke. I don`t know if I smell the autumn breeze the way other people do because we don`t have autumn in the Philippines. But all I can say autumn breeze is the best. It triggers my good and happy memories here in Japan.
This season remind me to be thankful and to have fun. Our senses lead us to embrace the outdoors. I realized that autumn is the time where you can use 5 senses.
What you feel
The temperature of fall is perfect, It’s neither too hot (summer) nor too cold (winter) and cozier than spring.Those first days every year when it’s chilly enough to need a sweater or hoodie are a revelation. Feeling chill on your skin is a rest and a refresher. The abuse of summer heat is overthrown by the autumnal rebels, layered on in the form of jumpers, vests, scarves and hats.
What you see
Autumn light ambience is the loveliest light. Maybe it`s the reflection of the combination of yellow, brown and orange leaves on the tree.
What you taste
Hot coffee or any hot beverage like tea that you can sip and enjoy anytime you want.
What you hear
the sound of leaves rustling in the wind are very relaxing and the sound of crunching of leaves underfoot.
Smell
Fall camping engages all the senses like what I did few weeks ago. Walking in the woods, smelling the dirt, trees, smoke from the fire and the open-air cooking that come with the outing, you have an olfactory bonus waiting for you in nature.
As the seasonal merry-go-round turns, hop on every stop. I try to set my mental and physical activity to the season I’m in. It’s an opportunity to be one with nature, embrace its reminders. Celebrate the holidays, take in their meanings, enjoy the spoils of whatever time of the year you find yourself.
JOHN
