Staycation

Rain. It’s a simple phrase used to describe the calm and sometimes catastrophic release of water from the sky. Originating from the Proto-Germanic “regna” and old English “rein”, rain can be seen depicted in drawings and literature throughout ancient history and well into modern times. It also has the important job of creating and maintaining the lakes, oceans, and other aquatic regions of the world. To quote Luke Bryan, “rain is a good thing.”

The symbolism of washing away the old and accepting new growth is prominent in spiritual practices as well as the earth itself. Rain has been known to reduce stress and boost mood. I for one am very enthusiastic about the sounds and smells of rain in the springtime. The smell often used to describe rain is referred to as “petrichor” and is caused by a combination of bacteria in the soil and plant oils. I recently sat in on a Trees 101 class offered by a Master Naturalist and learned the process of photosynthesis, where water from the soil (as well as sunlight and CO2) are converted to glucose, leaving oxygen as a nifty little byproduct that a lot of organisms cannot live without.

Rain is also pertinent to the water cycle here on earth and in keeping the overall health of the planet in check. It helps to regulate temperature, improve air and soil quality, reduce drought, and keep entire ecosystems alive. Water is what keeps our crops growing and our livestock hydrated. The importance of balancing rain water with foliage has become a hot topic lately as many suburban areas have begun planting inside cities to help filter and slow the flow of some of the rainwater that previously was contaminating and flooding nearby water sources. While collecting rainwater for personal use is helpful in some circumstances, it is more favorable to allow the water to reach the lowest areas of the soil and rock layers. Over-pumping in some areas can lead to sinkholes and less stable ground, and over-hoarding in barrels can lead to drought-like symptoms.

Those that have experienced troubling times tend to say they have been through some “rainy days”. But if life imitates nature in any way, we know that there are better days and new growth ahead. One thing I have learned is that in order to move forward and be the best version of you, you may need to wash away some parts of the older version of yourself. You have to pass through some storms to get to the sunshine and learn to dance in the rain. Follow along on my social media to see how I am finding new ways every day to navigate the tricky waters of sobriety, small town living, and life in general: @dancinggibby on Instagram and Tik-Tok.

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