Carissa Daniel

4 Invaluable Life Lessons Learnt from Walking in the Rain

As a child, I clearly remember, the rain being a source of excitement and intrigue, as I’m sure it was for most of you at that stage. I would relish any and every opportunity to get wet by the rain or even better, the stolen opportunity to play in the rain. My fondest childhood memories always involved the rain.

However, as I grew older that excitement and intrigue changed. Instead of enjoying the rain, I would spend 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...disaster! Quite recently I remember a friend telling me how much she hated the rain because it's so wet and it makes the place so sticky.

Yesterday, for the first time in many years, too many to mention, I was walking in the country side, when the rain came pouring down. It was the most amazing, nostalgic experience. It took me right back to my childhood. It reminded me of how refreshing it was to be wet by the rain. 

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 my friends.

As I reflected on that memorable moment, I was able to extract a few reminders from that simple, yet profound experience:

1. “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 beauty and bliss life has to offer. However, if we are constantly consumed with our thoughts, ideas, beliefs and preferences, we will miss the boat and miss the opportunity. Tune into the flow of each moment by being present to what is.
2. 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 a singular lens. When things occur outside of our expectations, we become intolerable and rigid. All of life is constantly changing, moment to moment. Taking yourself too seriously prevents you from flowing with the natural, beautiful energy of life. Lighten up, be fluid and embrace each moment as it comes. 
3. "Learn the art of growing without loosing your inner child." Unknown. Maintain a childlike wonder to life, irregardless of our age. The older we get, there is an understood expectation of us to behave like an adult (whatever that means), which usually translates into being rigid and averse to events and situations. This outlook behaviour and instead adopt a more  for us  to the unfortunate death of our childlike nature that is innocent, playful and adventurous.
4. "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." - John Kabatt-Zin. Many times we find ourselves in opposition to life, in resisting what comes our way because we think it should not be. However, if we learn to allow all of life to flow naturally and with ease our experience will be different. This does not mean that you will stay in unhealthy and un-serving situations. It rather means that you accept what is and from a place of centeredness and clarity you can make the best decision, either to go  up, down, left, right or to stand still.

When was the last time you really enjoyed the rain? When was the last time you were walking and the rain began to fall and you just didn't mind because you welcomed the rain drops? When was the last time you took time out to really appreciate the beauty of the rain and it's importance to our existence?

So many times we get caught up in the doing of things and miss out on the beauty of life. Life literally passes us by and we never really get to enjoy the simple and meaningful things like the rain.

The next time the rain is falling, take a moment,  take a breath and really appreciate it's beauty and if you can, go out into the rain and truly experience it.