I woke
expecting sun, eager to embrace an early arrival of Spring, only to find an
overcast sky and determined rainfall. I try to not let the weather sway my
mood, but I tend to become easily irritable on rainy days. This rainy morning I
feel a bit ungrounded, flooded with thoughts about ideas for yoga classes,
outfits to pack for an upcoming trip, and to-dos before I depart for Texas.
The thought loop catches me and
then a mindful cycle of breath liberates me. I’m moving too slow today and the
inner critic quips snide remarks. I stumble for an affirmation to lessen the
blow of the internal critique : no expectations; go gently.
The interludes of purposeful
breath and affirmations help me arrive (finally, the critic sighs) at the back
corner in a less frequented coffee shop. I crave uninterrupted writing time and
let irritations flow out into a journal, clearing my cloudy mind and
illuminating a peaceful presence. I’m grateful for this moment of writing time
and this heartfelt appreciation rekindles my gratitude practice.
For the past few weeks, I’ve
deepened my gratitude practice by committing to taking the time in the evening
and in the morning to list people, moments, even things (toothpaste and dental
floss always makes an appearance) that I am grateful for. I practice gratitude
in moments of stress, where I’ve wandered from the present moment and am
fretting about the future, or regretting the past, and the gratitude practice
refocuses my attention to the treasures of the present: the whisper of Spring
in the air, my loyal and sweet chocolate lab, my sparkly nail polish, the kind
text from a friend, and the list could continue.
The rain continues as well. So, I
soften my resistance to it as I muse on a list of my rainy day thank yous.
Feel
inspired to write your own, or simply take a moment to notice the present and
give thanks. It’s a way of creating sunshine even on rainy, overcast days.
*A thank you to the kindhearted barista who gifted me a free cup of
coffee.
*Grateful for rain ready shoe wear: I sport my adored “duck boots” so
I can dash through puddles with style.
*Adoring the opportunity to wear a new comfy, long cream sweater
paired with black shirt and favorite dark wash jeans.
*A shout-out to the radio host who played the perfect series of car
dancing beats.
*Grateful for my kid sister who appreciates my quirkiness, supports my
dreams and shares my adoration for pinterest.
*Many thanks to the photographer friend who braved the rain to snap
photos for a yoga logo.
*And so much love for a best friend who stood in the rain in a tree
pose for that yoga logo photo.
*A pause to deeply appreciate the easy access I have to clean, fresh
water at all times of the day. Hydration and health available at the turn of a
faucet.
*Thankful for my car, Hugh the Honda, for the freedom to go wherever I
please in sunshine or rain.
*Happy to receive a high fivin' paw from my favorite coffee shop dog
(you know I woof you, Niles).
*Pausing to reflect and feel gratitude for knowing a charismatic,
courageous and wise woman. She taught me how to age gracefully and to live
vibrantly and fearlessly. Empowered by cherished memories of her.
