Living Autumn

Autumn has deepened, and the long winter is just ahead.

In the cycle of life, autumn feels like the final chapter. After a summer of intense activity, nature burns its last light before letting go. The Canadian autumn is brief, but its quiet, refined beauty is quite captivating.

Surrounded by trees, the fallen leaves always take my breath away. Maples, chestnuts, poplars, and birches — the reds and yellows spread across the ground like a warm blanket ready for a long, comfortable winter. Some maple leaves are as big as one and a half times the face! On sunny days, walking a leaf-covered trail, both body and mind slowly calm, bringing a deep sense of grounding after the energetic rush of summer.

By November, the harvest season has ended. As the season reached its finale, I had my first-ever encounter with bears. Two large bears were quietly playing in a small forest clearing. Observing them from about ten meters away, a sense of awe surprisingly overcame any initial fear. Perhaps they had already noticed us, but they continued their playful dance, preparing for the winter ahead. It was a profound reminder that we share this space with countless creatures, requiring respect and caution. Bears are said to fear human voices more than bells or any deterrent, so I announced our presence as we carefully passed. Later, I saw them again, now focused on eating berries.

Another highlight this year was witnessing the salmon run. Seeing them struggle upstream, fighting the current, is always deeply moving. Their determination, the way they burn every ounce of life, offers courage beyond words.

Autumn may lack summer’s intensity, but it carries its own yūshū no bi — a subtle, refined beauty. It’s a season to appreciate life and abundance, to pause, reset, and prepare for the next cycle. This is why I love autumn.