Fall Colors
Sept/Oct
The end of September and the beginning of October present possibilities of Nature’s miracles in the Colorado Rockies. As the temperature looks winter-wards, the green on the Aspens deepens, presenting a dazzling spectacle of colors. From a greenish yellow to deep crimson, a plethora of colors erupt into a visual delight for the mesmerized eyes. Season’s first snow lends added contrast to rich colors. The colorful flora in the lap of towering, freshly snow-covered mountains wows the casual to the committed.
I happened to avail myself of Nature’s blessings this time around, an annual ritual in this part of the world. Aspen, Snowmass, and Vail are small towns with worldwide fame. It’s easy to see why.
Nature speaks for them. It finds eloquence in colors, in towering height of fifty-eight 14ers, and lung-cleansing air. The magic seeps deep in the soul.
A single day may befit a year.
Early morning freeze, midday heat on a taxing hike, late afternoon thunderstorm with “tropical” rain shower, followed by a sudden break in clouds, only to be substituted by late evening snowflakes. It’s a cycle we experienced more than once during our week-long escape to the Rockies.
The long hikes at demanding inclines and challenging altitudes confer long periods of absolute silence. The sense of awe finds a companion in introspection. Problems seem to find solutions.
Plagued by divisiveness, an unsettled mind yearns for an answer in nature. It strives to seek a resolution.
The changing colors tell a captivating story.
Photosynthesis is the foundational miracle of nature that harnesses water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce life-sustaining oxygen and energy. Trees have evolved to do it effortlessly and flawlessly with 100% efficiency—no wasted effort. No toxic residues. As Fall temperatures plummet, days get shorter, photosynthesis splutters, and leaves blush. No more worthy of photosynthesis, leaves fall and fertilize the next bloom. They fall in style and breathtaking splendor.
Hate should be deciduous, love perennial, the falling leaves seem to say.
Hate should blush with shame and fall, like fall leaves, to be reborn as love. That’s a cycle of life the Fall seems to inspire.
Imagine spellbinding colors of a Fall leaf drifting elegantly towards the ground, having fulfilled its obligations to support photosynthesis and now committing to raising the next generation. That’s how nature renews its vows. Life intuitively sustains itself.
Hate is counterintuitive to humanity. Love is the necessary glue.
The falling leaves helped me shed some of my prejudices. It was a refreshing and necessary interlude.
– brij