Admiring the rainy days

Learning to admire the rain. Photo: karan // Pinterest

There was a point in my life where I could not stand the rain and all the gloom I associated with it. I was astonished when a few of my friends loved rainy days instead of brilliant sunny ones. As a baby born in the heat of a January summer in South Africa, I prefer warmer days where I can bask in the sun and delight in taking long strolls outside, listening to all the birds chirping gleefully as the sunlight warms up their wings. I can hear the laughter of children frolicking about, creating memories of merriment. Not to mention all the delectable ice cream I can indulge in and the fruity ice tea recipes I can experiment with. Lastly, I am able listen to my favourite summertime indie playlist and create a good atmosphere. 

Yet, on a rainy day, I am stuck in the confinement of my room; looking up at the sad grey sky and hoping for the dreary and laggard day to come to an end.

Nevertheless, all that has changed the moment I had decided to shift my perspective. I became too preoccupied with all the experiences I would be missing out on, that I disregarded the significant moments unravelling before my eyes. Thus, I currently have a better point of view on rain.

Firstly, it is the sight of the rain drops pouring down that amazes me. 

Watching the rain feels to me as if the sky is crying - shedding the tears it held on to dearly until this very instance. The ether is finally letting go of all the overwhelming emotions it suppresses and is allowing them to fall along with each droplet. Then the earth becomes invigorated by those precious tears. I feel one with the sky and feel comfortable enough to cry as much as I need to. I have discovered that my tears are just as precious and meaningful as the rain. It is splendidly cathartic to cry and I encourage everyone around me to do it often. Now, you do not have to wait till the next storm to let it all out. Whenever you would like cry, let those flood gates open! Therefore, gazing at the rain becomes a reminder of the beautiful human experience that is crying and always takes my breath away.

Secondly, it is the smell that refreshes me. 

Opening the windows during and after rainfall in order to take in its fresh scent (petrichor) is my favourite thing to do. The scent revives me and the environment, giving me a new zest for life and guiding me to approach the day in a cheerful way. All the tedious tasks I have to get done, for example making my bed or washing the dishes, become a breeze as my senses have been awakened by the earthy fragrance. New ideas and tactics evoke within me and I am capable of tackling those duties in various manners. Hence, the smell of rain offers me vitality to turn banal chores into interesting activities. 

Thirdly, the sound of rain relaxes me. 

As a student at the University of Pretoria, I have been in numerous stressful situations with regards to meeting assignment deadlines, having to read countless textbooks and pieces of literature as well as study for exams. In those times, my heart desires to scream and from time to time, I do. I scream my lungs out into a pillow and the best part is when the pitter patter from the precipitation drowns out my distressed shrieks, it replaces them with soothing noises. Over time, I begin to feel cool and calm, remembering to take deep breaths. Moreover, I select a soft lo-fi playlist as an accompaniment to the rain and establish the right mood for relaxation. For this reason, rain sounds play a role in calming me down during hectic days.

Lastly, the feeling of rain makes me dance!

I am not fond of swimming due to my severe fear of drowning, but that does not mean I dislike water. I actually adore the occasional splash of water against my skin. Especially water from rain drizzles. Although my parents disapprove of it in fear I may get sick, I love dancing in the rain as it is such a magical movie moment for me. This is one of the few times I finally feel like the main character and author of my own story, rather than just hanging in there as I ride the turbulent rollercoaster of life. I feel liberated! Ergo, I move and groove freely once I come into contact with rainwater.

I am overjoyed that I have come to appreciate rainy weather and how it has engaged pleasantly with all my senses namely sight, smell, touch and hearing. It has impacted me favourably as I face life with wonder, revitalisation, peace and a happy dancing spirit. All it takes is a change of perspective. 

So why not give it go?

I mean, you cannot truly admire the rainbow without appreciating the rain. 

Many hugs my sunshines! 

Sunflower Child ☀️ ✿⁠ ⁠♡