Soul Weather

We had a perfectly cool, rainy fall day recently. Fall is finally here after a hot summer that caused the squirrels on my patio to sploot on several days. We had a grey, wet, and windy day in the mid-50s. The perfect weather to put on a sweatshirt, drink a hot cup of tea, and pause.

This is soul weather for me. Its cozy atmosphere inspires me to stay in and journal, read, and even write a blog that reflects on the impact of these days. The philosopher in me surfaces. I light candles, dim the lights, and float with the rhythm of the rain’s song. The live rain concert on my roof is better than anything on Spotify. The scent of fall fills the air. Summer’s drought finally gives way to dampness, at least for today. The leaves are yellowing. Some trees are already bare. My furnace is running, chasing the damp chill from the air. My internal winter hermit takes the lead, thankful for a respite from the hustle and bustle.

Goldie and Piney sense the vibe and nap. Piney is curled up in her bed near the window to watch the birds feed between snoozes. Goldie is anywhere that is near me. He becomes more of a snuggler as the daylight grows shorter and the weather cools. The three of us are homebodies together.

Days like this will come more frequently over the next several months. Hopefully, some will also include precipitation. The earth is desperate for a drink after only traces of rainfall since May. I can almost feel it drink deeply with each pitter-pat of droplets on the ground.

These days should make us want to slow down, snuggle up, and rest; however, the bustle of adulthood encroaches on our natural desire to hunker down. I despise how artificial our rhythms have become because of industrialization and modernization. We shouldn’t need to ignore our natural flow of energies on these days, but modern encourages us to ignore them. Life is more than profits and productivity. It’s about enjoying the unique moment we are in. Living in the flow and working with our energies, not against them. No wonder so many people are burnt out and unhappy these days. Our society is designed to go against our nature. Every chance I have to reverse that and take control of my energy and rhythm, I do; however, the struggle is exhausting.

Luckily, I can work from home this afternoon, watch the rain from my desh, and let my energy vibe with the weather. As the rain washes the earth, I also allow it to cleanse my soul. I bask in this symbolic shower and smile in protest and peace.