Maybe it’s just me, but this past month seemed to quickly disappear, and the feel of fall is in the air. With the leaves beginning to change, the prairies will be their full expression of beauty soon. I felt this art submission really captured what we see around us throughout September and, if lucky, into October. Excellent places to see the vibrant fall colours is a hike at Ann and Sandy Cross or the Leighton Art Centre which offers an excellent view of the foothills. There are many fall programs and events that will be published in the paper throughout the next few months so don’t forget to read away and check our events calendar online highcountrynews.ca/events/. One such event that I didn’t get material in time for publishing is that the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival will be returning to Bragg Creek on September 16th! Details are available here: www.bckor.ca/film-fest.html
More than the incredible outdoor activities the Foothills offer in the fall, another ritual is the returning of students back to school. My wife and I are making final adjustments to our children’s education plan and schedule and look forward to new rhythms. But is this ritual just for our youth? If we’re serious about it, there is something new we can always be learning. It may be tied to our vocation, or something that is more personal or recreational. Learning increases our capacity as an individual in several areas. Our brain develops new channels of thought, creativity is increased, new ideas are birthed, and our ability to reflect and make sense of our journey becomes a little less murky.
There is another type of learning that may be a bit more challenging – at least for me. I will call it the learning of the soul or heart. This is where another person not only imparts knowledge to us, but they impart the “who” of themselves into the life of another person. This type of learning requires vulnerability and openness in both parties. These types of relationships are where things get real. It’s where we can share and work through the mess and not worry that it will be posted maliciously on a social media platform. This is true community in its nature.
Hopefully this fall, we don’t just learn knowledge, but we can live in a true sense of community, sharing the beauty and messiness and learn from one another.
Lastly, I want to say a special thanks to Mark Kamachi for his article last month in which he directly promoted this paper. His work with local businesses and community groups enable them to effectively reach their audience. The Kamachi team have given themselves to this community for many years.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
