Monday. Halfway into my “nighttime-crusty to presentable-citizen” transition, the first drop fell and I knew that all prior engagements were off. Already halfway dressed, I “texted in” to work and headed back to the bed in a full sprint. Work shirt and pajama bottom clad, I perched in the window and watched Dallas drink from the skyline.

A couple of text messages came in. Apologetic introductions pitied my existence on such a drab, rainy Monday. “I hope you are having a good day, despite the rain.” But, I was enjoying seeing the drops roll from ceiling to floor on the oversized windows of my place. I liked the patterns on the grey comforter that had spread over the city. And when the rain stopped the sky was so clear and weightless… detoxified even.. like it had been on one of those 30 day internet cleanses for weight loss. I stayed home to see this! Not because I didn’t want to experience it!

So, I started reflecting on the norms. It’s so normal that we complain about the weather… It’s too hot, too cold, too humid, to wet, too dry.. My God! We are ridiculous! The Ancestors danced to coax rain from the clouds, and we see it as an inconvenience? What has changed?  Isn’t the rain as beautiful as the sunshine? Doesn’t the earth need water as much as warmth?

As cultures have evolved, so have the perspectives of individuals. The Ancestors knew the importance of rain because they were intimately involved with nature and her cycles. They were directly dependent on the outcome of crops. Today, it’s normal to have no idea where your food came from… (Or if it is safe to eat… I digress though). Even farmers have developed irrigation systems that separate them from the rain dancing lifestyle.

But I still dance. I still revel in what some call the gloomy days. Our bodies are still connected to that deep primal network that includes mother nature rather than opposes her. Before it comes, the third eye sees it approaching. “It feels/smells/looks like its going to rain.”  That primitive portion of our brain has been neglected in some ways but whether acknowledged or not, it lives on. We speed past moments and the freaking rain slows us down… find the beauty in that. Stop and watch and be grateful. Reach out and touch it. Stick your tongue out and taste it.