the season of ‘komerebi’
‘Komorebi’ is a Japanese term that was recently introduced to me in a James Crews poem. Broken down into characters, it literally translates to “sunlight filtering through trees”. There is no equivalent to this word in the English language, and it is often used in Japanese poetry, specifically haikus. In its proper use, the word captures a tranquil, calm, and serene snapshot in time when sunshine softly radiates through the branches and/or foliage of a tree and the shadows dance on the earthen floor. BUT, very important here, is that the observer is moving mindfully enough to keenly become aware of these dancing rays of sunshine.
Often associated with a change in seasons, this word popped into mind as I worked in the garden yesterday. The season of “slowing down” is upon us. The days are becoming much shorter, the mornings much cooler (we dipped into the 40s today!), the angle and quality of the sunshine are much different when touching my skin, the garden is taking on more muted earth tones, slipping away from the vibrant hues of midsummer. I have started to savor each bite of tomato a little longer, absorb the fragrance of fresh basil a bit longer, and dawdle in the flowers even more than normal. I am finding myself longing for something that isn’t even gone. Summer.
But, without a doubt, we are on the cusp of fall. We had a short season this summer. Grasshoppers and hail played a part as did a cool, wet August. This week we finished our new flower studio shed, have been busy making preparations for Applefest, and have even started planning our calendar of events and offerings for the 2025 season. Cale is back in his clay studio for the first time since June, and I’ve been harvesting dried beans and storage onions, fermenting up a storm, and running the dehydrator ‘round the clock preserving Chimayo chilies and tomatoes.
Despite this longing for summer to never fade, it feels good this year, to have what I now know to be a privilege, to slow down in this time of year when my body needs a break. As we shift into this more ‘yin’ time of year, as it is known in Chinese philosophy, I am embracing this concept of cooler, more receptive, grounded, earth energy (in contrast to the complimentary ‘yang’ energy of summer) and loving being able to take the time to enjoy the light filtering through the trees.
All this said, we have a beautiful late summer spread harvested for our market tomorrow. Of note, the dahlias are in ALL their glory as are the Carmen peppers. We hope to see you at Market, to take a moment together to enjoy the late summer sun and cool air and observe how things feel different this time of year, and to experience this embodiment of ‘komorebi’ in community.
Gratefully yours,
Melissa & Cale
