Why do we have so many rules that take away so much of the fun in life? I’m not talking about doing dangerous things. I’m talking about doing something so simple as walking in the rain and how just doing that becomes an adventure that gives you a feeling of freedom that you never expected. I realized that walking in the rain represented so much of the same things for so many people. So many reasons why we can’t do something. So many limitations we put on ourselves.

When we do something so out of the box, so unexpected and against all social norms, believe it or not, our creativity is unlocked. I mean that’s what creativity is. Thinking outside the box creating with no boundaries and no holds barred. Creating as if you are walking in the rain.

SHOWNOTES:

Hello, and welcome to A Journey to Awareness, I’m Shauna Hoffman. Oh this is gonna be a fun episode.

Last night my husband and I were talking about the fact that we want to go take the dogs for a walk today. We have three collies that need lots of exercise. But when I looked at the weather, it said it was going to rain. My husband turned to me and said, “Why don’t we take a walk in the rain!?” I paused and I looked at him, definitely perplexed, and then all the sudden I got so excited! I felt like a child again. Then I remembered some of the most fun days of my life were walking in the rain.

I mean, I know it’s crazy that every time we think about it our first instincts are, absolutely not. It’s raining out you can’t go outside. Or if you’re gonna go outside, you have to run to your car then run into the next building. You have to have umbrellas and raincoats, God knows you can’t get wet.

And then when I remember the times that I did walk and play in the rain I remember the feeling of total rebellion. It’s so funny I felt completely like a rebellious kid whose mom was saying, “you can’t go out and play in the rain! You’re going to get sopping wet! You’re going to catch a cold! You’re going to drag in all the mud! No, you cannot go.”

Then I remembered when my daughter dressed the kids up in their rain, boots and rain jackets and took them outside and just let them play in puddles and mud and feel the rain on their face. And they had the time of their lives! The free spirit of a child. And it made me wonder why when we become adults don’t we walk, sing, dance or play in the rain?

Why do we have so many rules that take away so much of the fun in life? I’m not talking about doing dangerous things. I’m talking about doing something so simple as walking in the rain and how just doing that becomes an adventure that gives you a feeling of freedom that you never expected. I realized that walking in the rain represented so much of the same things for so many people. So many reasons why we can’t do something. So many limitations we put on ourselves.

When we do something so out of the box, so unexpected and against all social norms, believe it or not, our creativity is unlocked. I mean that’s what creativity is. Thinking outside the box creating with no boundaries and no holds barred. Creating as if you are walking in the rain.

Oh, and with creativity comes romance. It is so romantic to walk in the rain with someone you love. Or just thinking about someone you love. I mean, you can’t help but smile when you think of the scene from singing in the rain where Gene Kelly is dancing in the middle of the street madly in love.

Do you remember the Neil Sedaka song “laughter in the rain”? Oh, I hear laughter and rain walking hand-in-hand with the one I love. Oh how I love the rainy days and the happy way I feel inside.

You smell things you never smelled before. The reflections of the water on the leaves, and on the ground have this magical beauty to them. And the feeling of rain on your face is a sensation so different than what you are used to, that you can’t help but smile.

But you don’t have to be with another human to feel romance. One of the definitions of romance is a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement and being remote from every day life. It’s the beauty and the romance inside you. Imagine your own romantic escapade.

Here is another adventure. Try running around in the rain with a bunch of friends! You have no idea how much laughter and lightheartedness it brings. I was on one of the islands with four of my friends late at night, and we were walking back to the ship, and it started pouring raining. It took us totally by surprise. And it was a blast! We were laughing and dancing in the middle of a Caribbean Road. We had so much fun!

Another time, my husband and I were in Venice, the city of canals and water. We got caught in a rainstorm and got so lost on the curvy roads of Venice that all we could do was realize this was totally out of our control so we may as well enjoy it! And we laughed and walked the streets of Venice, popping in for a coffee then out again onto the rainy cobblestone streets. Rain, snow, any weather is just a reminder that sometimes we need to just let go of control and let life happen.

I found this quote and forgive me, whoever said it, because I couldn’t find the author.

Walking in the rain is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

Here is another one, author unknown.

Rainy walks, are a chance to find beauty in the midst of chaos, to see the world with fresh eyes.

There is such spontaneity that comes with walking in the rain. You don’t know when it’s gonna stop. You don’t know when it’s gonna get stronger. And you don’t know when you’re going to see a rainbow. For me walking in the rain is one of the most magical things we can do.

Oh, The freshness that rain brings. Whether it’s a hot day in the Caribbean or a cool walk in the mountains, it brings a refreshing feeling to the air. And it’s so invigorating to breathe in the crisp, clean scent of rain-soaked earth and see the glisten on the trees plants.

Did you know that there is an actual scientific reason why walking in the rain is so peaceful? It’s something called the petrichor effect. Petrichor happens when rainwater releases micro organisms hidden in the earth and they mix with the smell of plant oils and the ozone. And it all gets released into the air.

Scientists believe it’s one of the most calming and mood boosting properties. They also think it could be because it stems from a cultural imprint that goes all the way back to our ancestors who would’ve found food and water more plentiful in times of rain than in times of drought. That’s why we always love the smell of the outdoors right after a rain.

I love this quote about the Petrichor effect

It’s when raindrops kiss the arid land, and the magic happens. It smells like a secret.

This wonderful woman named Susie Nightingale is the one who said that. It smells like a secret. I love that so much! I also kind of love her her name, Susie Nightingale.

Ha! Bob Marley says, “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.”
So let me just throw out a few reasons for you to walk in the rain the next time your weather app says rain is in the forecast.

Serenity: The sound of rain hitting the ground, leaves, or the top of your head can create a soothing and calming environment. It helps clear the mind and reduce all your stress… if you let it. Why do you think they use raindrops on so many calming apps?

A connection with Nature: Rainfall is such a vital part of nature, and growth. Walking in the rain can help you feel more connected to the environment. But what I love most is that it’s a reminder of the cycles of nature and the importance of water.

And did you know that sometimes it rains cats and dogs? I mean, if that isn’t a great reason to be walking in the rain I don’t know any other!

Solitude: Rainy weather often keeps others indoors, which means you might have the streets or parks to yourself. These moments when you’re alone are the times that you can feel the deepest, without anyone seeing you.

Charlie Chaplin said, “I always like walking in the rain so no one can see me crying.”

I take that to mean there is beauty when you can find comfort and privacy during the most vulnerable times. And there’s no better way to do it than walking in the rain Go ahead. Do it! I dare you. See if you can get a sense of peaceful solitude and privacy.

We talked about the adventure of it. But I wanna add that one of the reasons it gives you a sense of adventure is because of this feeling of braving the elements. We feel it every time we sail our sailboat. And what a wonderful simple way to do it right outside your front door?

OK I have a confession. This entire weekend it’s supposed to rain so as my husband and I talked about walking in the rain I woke up this morning and thought I really wanna get crazy. So I threw off all my clothes, ran out into my backyard and danced in the rain, totally nude. My dogs were running all around me, and I surely hope my neighbors didn’t see it because they would either think I was crazy or who knows, maybe they thought I’m one of the happiest people in the world. I wanted to really test all of what I was talking about here. And it was magical!

Oh…now let’s talk about the moodiness of a rainy day and how it can inspire introspection and reflection. It’s a great time to think deeply, sort out thoughts, or come up with new ideas.

Creativity!

Have you ever really looked at photography that was done out in the rain? Try it yourself! Grab your phone, go outside in the rain and take pictures! Rain can create stunning photo ops. Think about the reflections in puddles, raindrops on leaves, and the diffused light creating such a unique atmosphere. And if your lucky you will catch a rainbow!

We have all heard about Native Americans performing a rain dance. They would summon the spirits of the gods to cleanse the earth with rain. But in the Native American culture the rain dance was also a symbol of forgiveness. Think about that for a minute, how we can let the rain wash away our past, our hurts, our anger, our betrayals from others and to others. What if you could walk in the rain and forgive yourself and forgive others?

Who knew that walking in the rain could offer us so much self-awareness? For me, I think the one most important lessons this morning when I ran around in the rain was remembering how to enjoy the Simple Things in life. It was a reminder I don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules.

So, I hope that soon you’ll have an opportunity to go play in the rain! I hope you let go of everybody else’s rules, go outside and let the raindrops keep falling on your head. And I hope it sparks a new journey to awareness.

And most of all, may there be a rainbow at the end of your journey.

So my beautiful listeners, thank you for letting me into your life this week, and I look forward to popping back in again next time.