‘The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long before it happens. Let life happen to you.’
– Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 – 1926); an Austro-German poet who became internationally famous with such works as Duino Elegies and Sonnets to Orpheus
THE CRUNCH OF FALL LEAVES
Fall, a time of transition, sees the vibrant hues of summer gracefully yielding to the earthy tones of the season. As the foliage transforms, so too does the auditory landscape. Enveloped in the whispered symphony of fall, we find ourselves captivated by the delicate dance of leaves, each rustle serving as a poignant reminder of nature’s transient beauty and the perpetual cycle of change.
With the waning daylight and dropping temperatures, the unmistakable sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet announces the arrival of autumn. The crisp air, vivid colours, and comforting scents of the season inspire a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
During my visit to Slovakia in November 2011, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the sights and sounds of fall, reaffirming the significance and allure of this time of year. As I traversed the streets, I was entranced by the symphony of leaves rustling in the wind. The resplendent golden hues of the foliage provided a breathtaking backdrop to the city’s historic architecture. It served as a reminder of life’s cyclical nature, as the trees shed their leaves in preparation for the impending winter. The crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet served as a gentle prompt to embrace change and relinquish the past, mirroring the trees’ release of leaves to welcome new growth in spring. Similar to the leaves’ transformation and subsequent descent to the ground, our own lives undergo change and growth. The sound of crunching leaves serves as a reminder to embrace the vicissitudes that come our way, to release the past, and to embrace the future with open arms.
Contemplating the significance of the crunch of fall leaves, I am reminded of my recent ascent to the summit of Mount Singai with a group of young individuals. Our arduous journey to reach the peak tested our physical and mental fortitude. As we ascended higher, the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet became an unwavering companion, a rhythmic reminder of our progress on this expedition.
The climb to the summit of Mount Singai epitomized the journey of life itself. Just as we confront and surmount obstacles and challenges along the way, so too do we encounter trials in our daily lives that test our resilience and strength. The crunch of fall leaves served as a reminder to remain present in the moment, to appreciate the journey’s peaks and valleys, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to our goals.
Upon reaching the pinnacle of Mount Singai and beholding the awe-inspiring panorama before me, a sense of accomplishment and pride surged within. The sound of fall leaves crunching underfoot served as a reminder of the arduous path I had traversed to reach this point, a journey marked by triumphs and setbacks. It underscored the fact that growth and change are constant in our lives and that with steadfastness and determination, we can overcome any obstacle that obstructs our path.
I came to realise that the sounds of the season exert a profound influence on our daily existence, serving as a constant reminder of the passage of time and the changing seasons. Just as the crunch of fall leaves signals the conclusion of one chapter and the commencement of another, each sound carries a deeper meaning that mirrors our circle of life. Embracing the sounds of the season enables us to connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of tranquillity and harmony in our lives.
Moreover, the sounds of the season possess the power to nurture the growth of our families and communities. In the same way, the crunch of leaves enriches the soil, providing nourishment for new growth, embracing the sounds of the season can nourish our relationships and fortify the bonds that unite us. By taking the time to appreciate the beauty and significance of each season, we can cultivate gratitude and foster a sense of connection that enriches our lives and enhances our sense of community.
In addition to its impact on personal growth and relationships, the sound of the season plays a significant role in our health and well-being. Research indicates that spending time in nature and immersing ourselves in the natural world can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental well-being. The soothing sounds of the season can alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance mood and overall well-being, and promote serenity and equilibrium.
Education is yet another realm in which the sounds of the season wield a profound influence. By instilling in children an appreciation for and embracement of the natural world, we can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity that cultivates a lifelong love of learning. By incorporating the sounds of the season into our educational curriculum, we can inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a profound appreciation for the world around us.
As the renowned poet Rainer Maria Rilke once wrote, “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Embracing the sounds of the season allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and marvels of the natural world while acknowledging the challenges and hurdles that come our way.
By opening ourselves up to the sounds of the season, we can embrace change, foster gratitude, and cultivate a sense of tranquillity and harmony in our lives.
In the crisp autumn air, the world transforms
As the leaves above begin to perform
A dance of yellow, gold, and brown hues
Creating a symphony of crunching news
As I walk through the forest, the sound surrounds
Echoing in my ears, a comforting sound
Each step I take, a reminder of change
Embracing the season, its beauty so strange
Past memories, big and humble, flood my mind
Of days gone by, as leaves intertwined
With the laughter of friends, the warmth of the sun
The crunch of fall leaves, where it all begun
I ponder the cycle of life and death
In the crunch of leaves, I find precious breath
A reminder that change is natural and true
Just as the leaves fall, so must I renew
I am reminded of the precious present
In the crunch of leaves, my worries dissent
For in this moment, all is right
Embracing the sounds of fall with all my might
The crunch of leaves, a song of hope
A melody that helps, enabling me to cope
With all the trials and tribulations of life
In the crunch of leaves, I find respite
So as the season changes, I breath, I embrace
The beauty of fall, its wonder, its grace
For in the crunch of leaves, I am awed as I find
Serenity and solace for my restless mind
So let us all listen to the sound
Of fall leaves crunching all around
Embracing the season with open arms
And finding peace in its charms
Therefore, the next time you hear the crunch of fall leaves beneath your feet, take a moment to pause and appreciate the splendour of the season.
Embrace the sounds of nature and the ever-changing seasons, knowing that just as the leaves must fall to make way for new growth, so too must we release what no longer serves us to create space for that which will save us — our personal growth in body, mind, and spirit.
As we prepare to shift our focus to The Taste of Home: Exploring Comfort Foods next week, let us carry with us the warmth and nostalgia of fall leaves crunching beneath our feet.
Just as the sounds of the season bring us solace and tranquillity, so too do the flavours of the home offer us a sense of security and belonging.
Let us savour the tastes of home-cooked meals and the memories they evoke, recognising that in these simple pleasures, we can always find solace and comfort. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the sounds of the season and eagerly anticipate the tastes of home that warmly await us.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
