Breathing in Fall Colours

 

                                                                    Ontario Parks image

1 Breathe on me, breath of God,

fill me with life anew,

that I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do.

Voices United 382

Our kayaks are on the roof of our vehicle and within the hour we will head to a portion of the Salmon River lined with maples. We will take in the Fall beauty, knowing from experience that this stretch is usually a good bet for colour as the season changes.

We're bracing for the possibility that this year's display will not match last year, which was really spectacular. Those who follow the Autumn colour change say that the hues are muted. One of the reasons was the pall of wildfire smoke which hung over Southern Ontario during the summer even thought those fires were distant. The leaves of trees simply couldn't breathe normally and while this occurred a couple of months ago it affects the colour, or lack of it, we are witnessing now.

You'll remember that humans were warned to stay inside during the smoke days, especially if they had respiratory illnesses such as COPD. In the thick of the haze I mowed our lawn with a mask on. Trees aren't able to heed these cautions yet I never considered that trees could suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

We know that trees are essential to producing oxygen for the planet. Exposure to forests also boosts our immune systems. While we breathe in the forest air, it is like being in a natural aromatherapy session. We find walking or cycling or paddling amidst trees to be a spiritual experience. Last October Ruth posted a video of our Salmon River paddle on social media which was really popular, no doubt because of the colour.

When we're in our boats we usually stop for a prayerful moment to give thanks for the water and sky and trees, recognizing them as a gift from the Creator. 

We will do so again today, grateful for the divine fire around us, whatever the colours may be. Stay tuned for this year's images!

3 Breathe on me, breath of God,

till I am wholly thine,

until this earthly part of me

glows with thy fire divine.