AS a young child, I clearly remember, the rain being a source of excitement and intrigue, as I’m sure it was for most of us at that stage.
I would relish any and every opportunity to get wet by the rain or even better, the stolen chances to play in the rain. I think my fondest childhood memories always involved the rain.
However, as I grew older that excitement and intrigue changed. Instead of enjoying the rain, I spent more time thinking about how I could avoid it because I didn’t want to get wet, or didn’t want to get the flu, or worse yet, get my hair wet. What a disaster!
Yesterday, nonetheless, for the first time in many years, too many to mention, there I was walking in the countryside, when the rain came pouring down. Surprisingly, it was the most amazing, nostalgic experience. It took me right back to my childhood. It reminded me of how refreshing it was to truly experience the rain.
Interestingly, I didn’t feel compelled to scamper off in my usual fashion but instead continued walking leisurely, enjoying every step, enjoying every drop, enjoying every moment of the experience. What made it even more special was sharing in the moment with friends.
Later that day as I reflected on that memorable moment, a few lessons stood out from that simple, yet what felt like a profound experience:
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” Unknown.
Within each unexpected moment lies the opportunity to experience the immense beauty and bliss life has to offer. However, if we are constantly consumed with our thoughts, ideas, beliefs and preferences, we may miss the simple opportunities being presented in each moment.
Practice reminding yourself from time to time to tune into the flow of each moment by being completely present to what is.
“Don’t take yourself too seriously, no one else does.” Regina Brett.
So often we are caught up in our individual worlds. We view life through our singular lens. As such, when things occur outside of our expectations, we become intolerable and rigid.
However, all of life is constantly changing, moment to moment. When we take ourselves too seriously, it prevents us from flowing with the natural, beautiful energy of life.
So, lighten up, be fluid and embrace each moment as it comes.
“Learn the art of growing without losing your inner child.” Unknown.
Maintain a childlike wonder to life, regardless of your age. The older we get, there is an expectation that we should behave like an adult, (whatever that means). This is generally translates into us being rigid and averse to life events and situations, while denying ourselves of the joy and fun of life.
However, if we allow ourselves to instead adopt a more childlike nature that is innocent, playful and adventurous, we can experience growing old without loosing that important aspect of ourselves, our inner child.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – John Kabatt-Zin.
Many times, we find ourselves in opposition to life, when we resist what comes our way. We convince ourselves that what is before us should not be and should not happen, which often leaves us in a state of disharmony.
However, if we learn how to allow and embrace all of life, we will eventually discover that everything is always happening for our highest good, even when it seems scary.
When was the last time you really enjoyed the rain? When was the last time you walked or bathed in the rain? When was the last time you took time out to really appreciate the beauty of the rain and its importance to our existence?
Often, we get caught up and miss out on the simple beauty of life. Many times, often much later in our lives, we eventually realize how much we never really enjoyed the simple and meaningful things like the rain.
The next time it is raining, take a moment, take a breath and really appreciate its beauty and if you can, go outside and truly enjoy the rain.