Rainy Days

We have enjoyed a very mild winter here in the Pocono Mountains, and now it is spring.
The arrival of spring has brought about quite a few rainy days. Clearly these days have brought life to the flowers and the trees, as well as the weeds! However, these rainy days tend to slow us down and therefore can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and contemplate life.

The simple miracle of water falling from the sky has been interpreted in many ways by many cultures. In various areas of the world, rain has been viewed as a nourishing gift, given by well-pleased deities.

Rain has also served as a symbol of emotional cleansing and represented the unending union between earth and sky. Consider as well the cleansing nature of tears.

Today, rain is often seen as an annoyance, something to be borne doggedly while attending to one's usual duties. But the arrival of one or more rainy days can also be interpreted as a signal to slow down and, once again, contemplate life. When Mother Nature darkens the sky and causes drizzle to fall, freshly opened buds close and many animals settle into their nests for a period of repose. We can honor rainy days by following the example put forth by the flora and fauna around us. Even if we must or choose to venture out into a shower, we can still slow down and appreciate our connection to nature.

A rainy day spent indoors can be wonderfully uplifting.

As the rain pours down, we can fill our homes with light, sound, and comfort so that we can fully appreciate the loveliness of being snug and dry during a downpour. Or we can settle into the warmth which also exists within the darkness.

A sheltered spot like a covered porch, sun room, or window seat can provide us with a wonderful vantage point from which to meditatively observe raindrops as they make their descent to earth.

Also, the pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop or car window can be a therapeutic and soothing sound,
one that reminds us that while the unforeseen will always be a part of our lives, we should never forget that nearly every cloud that comes into our lives will have a silver lining.

With love, light, and drops of rain,

Rob