Rain is often associated with sad moments or sad feelings. In movies, we often see actors walk in the rain during the depressing moments of the plot, when somebody dies, cries, or loses in life. This will usually be accompanied by sad and melancholic music.
In real life it would be really weird if it started raining every time something sad and depressing happened, but thanks to TV and the movies we now generally associate rain with upset, sadness and depression.
Perhaps that’s why we Brits often run and hide away from the rain preferring to bathe in the sunshine when it makes a rare appearance. When I was working in the Middle East or on holiday in hot climates people would come out and dance and play in the rain. In hot countries locals tend to hide away from the sun. How does the saying go? “Only mad dogs and English men” went out in the sun.
Why are we so afraid of getting wet?
When we avoid going out in wet weather we miss out on some great mental benefits that come from walking in the rain.
1. RAIN Relieves our inner burdens.
Charlie Chaplain once said “no one can see you cry in the rain” which is an obvious benefit of walking in the rain. Particularly for us roughty-toughty men. Although you’d still have to work really hard on your body posture if you wanted to hide the “inner sadness”.In my experience walking in the rain when I’m feeling a bit down helps relieve my inner burdens. I like the primal connection between my body and Nature particularly when the weather is rough, that stimulates and invigorates me..
It’s also very comforting returning from a wet gloomy walk to a hot bath or shower, fresh towels and a cup of something hot.
2. RAIN Cools your head
It is impossible to avoid conflict, whether in yourself or as the result of an argument or disagreement with another person (or object in the case of men). I find going for a walk in the rain can quickly cool things down, balance my emotions and bring a fresh perspective to the situation. Have you ever noticed the smell of the earth after a storm – “Petrichor” it has a natural calming effect.3. RAIN Helps us to see things in a different perspective
The world in the rain is a different place. It’s like looking at reality through a different lens. The streets are empty and quiet, steam rises from the ground and the weather is cool. There is something about the rain that changes our association to a place.4. RAIN Gives us Space
Because fewer people go out in the rain it gives us a better sense of space, for our thoughts and emotions to roam free, run wild and allow us to notice them. There is great healing associated with expressing suppressed thoughts and emotions.5. RAIN Teaches us Acceptance
Rain represents something beyond our control, like the absurdities that happen in our daily lives. Accepting things as they are and choosing to continue to go about our business of living life in a positive mood leads to greater happiness.Life is still waiting to be lived despite the rain. “It’s just a state of mind”.
If you would like to experience the benefits of walking in the rain join Cotswold Natural Mindfulness we walk in a mindful way in all weathers.
…enjoy the journey!
Ian Banyard – Author & Guide
Ian Banyard is a Nature Connection Guide and author of Natural Mindfulness – your personal guide to the healing power of nature connection. He is passionate about exploring nature and empowering people. Ian combines a wealth of knowledge and experience from his personal and corporate life with intuitive and instinctive insights from his own inner journey, to guide others.
Ian lives in Gloucestershire, UK where he guides Natural Mindfulness Walks and provides coaching, courses, gatherings and retreats, for others who want to deepen their connection with nature and their true nature.
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