Unexpected teachings from a walk in the rain.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… It’s about learning to dance in the rain ~ Anonymous. 

I came across this quote a few years ago, in a small shop, while I was spending some time away with my mother. I bought the little tile it was written on, to remind myself to keep going, no matter what. Recently, unconsciously I practiced this advice in a practical way, which brought this quote back to mind.

It happened when one of my recent walks in the rain became more than a substitute for my workout. This evening I would only meet 2 people along the usually crowded shore, and I learned a few lessons along the way, with the rain being a symbol of what usually goes wrong along the way in our lives. Looking back at that walk, and the way I just got myself out there, made me pounder that maybe there had been more to this – than I had foreseen when just going out there. 

It was one of those evenings where no one dared to get out, in case you were not driving. ‘Best to stay in and stay dry’ is what every sensible soul would think. It had been raining for hours, and combined with some heavy thunderstorms scattering around, it was not the standard evening for a quiet walk. But my body was itching to move. I had been sitting behind my desk for hours, switching between the different work meetings and projects.

 The air outside was humid, as usual here where I live, but I found that the rain brought a certain coolness and freshness to it.

I was seeing my planned workout go up in smoke, as the traffic had come to a standstill. It would take ages to get to my Crossfit box. So what could be a good alternative? My mind was racing, and my body wanted the same.

No one, except for a few brave people were hurrying along the sidewalks to their destination. Only because they really had to. I decided to deal with this straightforward; by grabbing my umbrella, and get out there, which was just what I did. 

I changed into my walking clothes (which, despite the rain, consisted of shorts and a t-shirt) and my running shoes and went out. I crossed the street and headed towards the waterside, which is always one of my favorite places to walk. The sound of the sea and the view always have this instant calming effect on me.  

Reflecting back, I was able to link a few lessons we can apply in our daily lives, from my walk out there:

The sound of rain has a calming effect – sometimes when we are in ‘rainy’ times of our lives, we forget to listen to the silence within the noise that is in our lives. It’s in those times, when we need to take the time to sit down and reflect on the situation. This can create clarity and a refreshed view on the situation.
The rain and darkness increased the awareness of my senses and I was more than ever aware of the smell of wet grass, the sight of the drops that fell down from the trees like endless tears, and the sound of the rhythm of raindrops on my umbrella. The air felt clean and refreshed, compared to the usual hot, dense humidity. Keep your senses open at all times – they are your silent guide in the ‘walks of life’.
I experienced a certain sense of ‘secrecy’ – walking in the dark, rain and literally no one crossing your path. I felt like being hugged into some sense of closeness, covered by my umbrella and surrounded by darkness and wetness…the silence with no one around. Being able to walk through, makes you feel like you can conquer anything! Keep on walking – no matter how dark or lonely the days are, or how rainy… you will be able to get through it all. 
Walking in the rain makes you feel vulnerable and at the same time courageous to move forward. Like in life and as Billy Ocean once sang – when the going gets tough….well, it’s the tough that get going. Though this may sound logic, in rainy times it takes courage, or even stubbornness and a strong mind to stay on course, or even to go out there. 

After my walk in the rain, I took a shower and felt refreshed and relaxed at the same time. I look forward to my next walk in the rain already! 

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