THE RAIN

Thank God for the rain which has helped wash away the garbage and the trash off the sidewalks . . . someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets. TAXI DRIVER 1976

Weather is likely the most user friendly topic of conversation on planet earth. According to this age old discussion, there is a generally agreed upon air temperature and climate. If the temp falls in the preferred 15 degree window and there are no significant clouds in the sky, people will comment on how nice the weather is. Temperatures above or below this scale, any natural weather elements or wind will generate discontent.  

Water composes 75% of your brain, 83% of your blood, 22% of your bones, and 75% of your muscles. Most humans love oceans, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot showers, cool swimming pools, and hot tubs.  But when rain comes, the collective population cowers and complains in unison. We want the trees, plants, grass, and flowers to grow; we want clean air and fresh water; yet regardless of how many years in our species' existence, without fail, we continue to gripe about rainfall. Our planet depends on the water cycle just as people and other animals depend on drinking water. The rain must fall yet we don't want it.  We want life to flourish but resist what is necessary to facilitate it. It's like the person who wants to be rich but refuses to put in the necessary work, or the person who wants to be ripped but won't sacrifice the necessary hours in the gym.    

Cook county and the midwest at large are currently experiencing serious drought conditions. Irrigation, sprinklers, and hoses have served as lifelines for our abundant parks and gardens. Temperatures have hovered around 90 for weeks; rain of more than a few inches has fallen only half a dozen times this year. This entry was inspired by an unexpected spring shower a few weeks back. As the rain began, people began to cower and run for cover, shielding themselves with whatever they could find. I instantly recognized how rain compares to truth. 

Rain can be unwelcome, cold, and unexpected. It's different and far less frequent than clear skies. It forces you to step more cautiously and drive slower. It can interrupt plans and force you to make new ones. It has you think and interpret your situation differently; reevaluate circumstance. Like truth, rain can spoil your preconceived notions of the world around you.

But it cannot hurt you.  

Rain, like truth, nurtures, promotes growth and good health. Both are required for clear vision and a strong life force. I've written before about the satisfaction gained by appropriate outfitting to combat frozen elements, naturally I feel the same when it comes to fluid elements. Waterproof footwear, water resistant outerwear, ballcaps, rimmed hats, hoods, and umbrellas serve as excellent protection from wet socks, clothing, hair, et al. We live in an age where synthetic materials are so advanced, there is no excuse not to properly shield from dreaded precipitation. The key is not to avoid being affected by rain, but to appreciate its value while walking between the rain drops.  

The same goes for truth.

We must not drown in the bleakness of the world stage, but be aware of it. Our common sense is our greatest guide though many forces work daily to divert it. We must reach inside for our guiding light and work towards the healing necessary in our lives and in our world.  Let the rain fall all around you, watch as it brings fourth fresh new life while washing away corruption and decay from generations of imbalance. Bring fourth a true rain to purify our understanding and create a clean, life-rich canvas so that future generations might enjoy what we know can be.

That someday will be.

I am a being of Heaven and Earth, of thunder and lightning, of rain and wind, of the galaxies.  EDEN AHBEZ