Rainy-Day Ideas: Uplifting Showers

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 was viewed as a nourishing gift, given by well-pleased deities. Rain also served as a symbol of emotional cleansing and represented the unending union between earth and sky. 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 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 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, fill your home with light, sound, and comfort so that you can fully appreciate the loveliness of being snug and dry during a downpour. Storms literally change the energy in the air, and you may feel driven to follow suit by burning incense or sage, ringing bells or chimes, lighting candles, or singing. You may even feel compelled to talk to each room in your home in order to express your gratitude for the protection they give you. If, however, you feel claustrophobic rather than calm because you cannot venture outdoors, you can clear away negative energy by getting rid of clutter, sweeping away dust, and freshening your up spaces. The happier you are in your home, the more beautiful and wondrous a simple rain shower will seem.

A sheltered spot like a covered porch, sun-room, or bay window can provide you with a wonderful vantage point from which to meditatively observe raindrops as they make their descent to earth. And the pitter-patter of rain on a rooftop or car window can even 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.

~Reprinted with permission from DailyOM.com

The rainy days of life

As I look outside today, the clouds are dark and rain is tapping on my window.  For most, rain is an easy excuse to complain – “Oh, this weather is terrible!”  But we need to take the rainy days with the sunny ones and appreciate each day for the gifts that they hold.  We can’t let external things, like the weather, control our mood for the day, we must create our own mood! Each day we have the power to construct our mindset and outlook on life.  So today, as I see the rain coming down, I think, “Wow, we needed the rain to make the flowers and trees grow.  I could use a day to work on paper work inside the house rather than working outside.”  Rainy days are often the best ones for getting friends together to watch a movie, or reading a good book in bed!  One trick that I use is to not get out of bed before I think of at least one positive thing that the day will hold for me, and then I smile!  Creating this positive moment first thing makes a huge difference in the day.  When it becomes habit and we do this every day, amazing things can really happen – rain or shine! Read more