Rain on the River

My original plan for getting to my reflection spot was to run to Pony Pastures around noon before my accounting class today, and then meditate on the same rock where I sat weeks ago. However, when I woke up this morning, it was not to the sound of the morning doves or even the squawking geese. I woke up to a low rumble of thunder and the patter of rain on the window. At first I rolled over to go back to sleep, for rain is my ideal sleep weather. But eventually my half-asleep mind actually convinced me to get out of bed and start my day with some meditation by the river. I pushed myself out of bed and borrowed my friend’s car to go down to Pony Pastures. Throwing on my rain attire and grabbing my umbrella, I made my way out to the river before breakfast.

It was pouring, but with the protection of my umbrella and rain gear, I was completely dry sitting on that rock as I observed the water. The river is entirely different in the rain, almost unrecognizable. There was no longer the flickering of the reflecting sunlight on the rapids but instead it was more of a single shade of gray, the rapids almost disappearing under the raindrops that were hitting the water. The sound of the rapids was perfectly blended with the patter of raindrops into a low hum. It smelt of soil, rain, and I could feel the damp wind wafting over the river blowing my hair out of my hood. The moment was perfect; I could enjoy the direct exposure to the beauty of the soothing rain next to the river but I was warm and cozy in my waterproof attire.

When I looked down at the ground, I could see the miniature streams gathering in the soil and leading downhill to the river. It reminded me of all of the things I have learned in this class so far and how much more aware I am of the source of my surroundings rather than merely appreciating them for what they simply are. Knowing that the rain falling down, not only here but also as far away as the Blue Ridge Mountains, is contributing to our water source makes me appreciate every drop so much more. The rain bothers so many people, but I adore it because it is the food of the river. It is a source of all life around us, but is not appreciated by a majority of people because of its inconvenience. But because of this class, the rain is now one of my favorite types of weather, and I will continue to go outside during the rain and fascinate myself with its beauty instead going back to my bed to take a nap.