If you’ve ever found yourself sucked into watching a nighttime soap, there’s always a moment when a character contemplates while looking out a rainy window. The rain highlights the character’s despair, heartache or plight like a giant marker.
Yet when it rains in our lives, we grumble more than pause. We want more sunshine even if we’ve been gifted with a lot. However, why not take the time to witness and listen to the rain the next time the inevitable downpour occurs?
Many meditation CDs include the soothing trickle of a steady rain. The occasional clap of thunder signals the fact that it is time to be still and reflect. When it’s pouring, there’s no better place to be than dry, with nowhere to go but the present moment.
Take a blanket with you and sit on your front porch or near a window with a good view. Not all meditations have to be done with the eyes closed, but be careful not to be drawn in by the bright lights of your neighbour’s houses.
As if you could watch each individual droplet, watch the raindrops. Try not to let yourself be caught up by all of the things you could be doing.
Then listen. Listen to the water hit the ground. Listen to it hit your roof and your car, providing a symphony of sounds. Let this be your meditation soundtrack, following individual sounds and letting them pass.
Listen for as long as you can, perhaps until the storm has begun to wane. Let your emotions feel a little steadier, reflecting nature.
All situations will pass, all heartache will heal. Let the rain help you to pause.
