Rain Rain 'Don't Go Away!'

A rainy day is a replenishment of nature, helping 'the necessary' thrive all the while washing away 'the unnecessary'. We start our days by getting wet; scrubbing the dirt, sweat and oils off of our skin. There is a palpable feeling of being refreshed and ready to take on the world and everyday responsibilities. The advantages of cold showers are also well documented. You can tell that when someone refuses to take a bath, they are holding on to some memory and refusing to move on with everyday life. Hence, the homeless, drunkards and depressed hardly shower. They do not want to feel refreshed as they are caught up in the cycle of self deprecation and have found security in it which feeds their distorted identity. Water also clears us of odor, the lies and faults we make leave a stink and it's essential that we wash ourselves and clear us off this as much as we can. In the Hindu Culture ('Sanatan Dharma'), taking a dip in the holy water of the Ganges frees the person of any sins they've committed in this lifetime. Also, after a person's death the 'body' is burned and the ashes return to water. According to the Pre-Socratic Philosopher 'Thales' - "All things are form water and all things are resolved into water". There's a reason 70% of the body is water!

I particularly enjoy rainy days and have never felt irritated in the least by the obvious inconveniences it causes. Sitting outside in the porch, reading a good book, is a day to be savored. Not just sitting indoors, I make sure to get wet every now and then. Walking shirtless here and there or even playing basketball when it's pouring is not a sight uncommon to my friends and family; I make sure that the raindrops bounce off me head, tickle down my arms and wet my clothes. A natural shower, sent by god himself, why waste such a tremendous opportunity? I'm also lucky as I have the privilege of living near the mountains. The sight of the Himalayas is one to behold, the lower proximal mountains sparkle in a tinge of green, soothing the eyes. Life flourishes on a rainy day, I'm sure the birds enjoy their equivalent of 'Chaai-Pakoda' during a tenacious shower. It's also a time which makes you feel more intimate and nostalgic for some reason, childhood memories come rushing and certain passions are stirred up in your heart.

Ask the importance of 'Rain' to a farmer and he might recite an impassioned ode to it. The romantics are also on their best behavior, perceptible to little changes continuing to take place. Rains are a blessing for mankind but they do take a rather savage form in the face of floods. That is also a replenishment in a way and a natural weeding process. Ultimately, we all have a special connection to Rain and let's not forget to admire it's character and charm whenever we come to witness it. Rain gods have my undying respect, pour over my heart and spirit again and again.