It rains a lot where I live. Sometimes for weeks on end, so we almost forget what dry weather feels like. This means we’ve got really good rain-proof clothing to keep us dry and warm all year round. We don’t stay indoors just because it rains – instead we get dressed up in wellingtons, raincoats and even waterproof trousers.
Some people wear fisherman’s hats as well because umbrellas don’t survive for long here. Most of the time it is pretty windy too, so the rain comes down more or less horizontally.
Today it has rained spectacularly, with torrents cascading down in between quieter periods of drizzle-like rain where the drops are so small you can barely feel them. It has rained so much the drains can’t cope with the storm water. This is a regular occurrence here and the reason I’ve got knee-high wellingtons.
By now it has become clear that I’m used to the rain. Perhaps it’s even showing that I love the rain. But tonight there was something else.
Walking home from work I was glad I was fully kitted out in my rain gear. For some unknown reason my awareness of the rain was heightened and my senses were absolutely delighted.
The raindrops falling on the hood of my rain coat and landing on my face felt like smiles and kisses. The sound was so calm – it’s as if nature had taken a meditation break. Water running and falling and just being everywhere.
Wading through puddles up to mid-calf I recalled what rain used to feel like when I was small. I became aware that it wasn’t just a memory – I was feeling like that again tonight.
I walked slowly to savor the image of raindrops falling heavily and effortlessly to the ground. My ears filled with a magical concert of raindrops falling everywhere – on roofs, on windows, running down drainpipes and overflowing the gutter.
In the darkest November night I was surrounded by rain so familiar to me, and yet so completely fresh and new.
It felt like the Goddess was showering me in love and happiness, as if she was bestowing all her blessings on me. It was such a wonderful experience, I wanted to write it down as soon as possible and share it with you. I’m sure this evening will be one of those special memories that stay with me forever.
Then it dawned on me. This didn’t happen for some unknown reason, as I first thought. It was yoga.
Years of practice have conditioned my body to become increasingly sensitive. My mind has been trained to reflect deeply in meditation, to let go and to be content. My spirit has learned that we are all one, there is no difference between you and me.
And as I was walking home I was breathing one of my favorite Pranayamas, the Sama Vritti-technique. This is where your in-breath and your out-breath are equally long, so your body becomes calm and quiet and you fall into a deep meditative state.
Sama Vritti has become a favorite habit of mine, as I prefer to integrate my yoga practice into my everyday life and ‘take it off the mat’ as it were. This is what gave me such an incredible experience tonight. I was experiencing a one-ness with the rain, with the water within me and around me.
So I would like to extend a thank you to all the people who have taught me, guided me and instructed me so far on my yoga journey. Thanks for having faith in me, for being patient with me and for sharing your passion for Dru yoga. I hope I can keep the flame burning.
Vild Prestegard, Blogger, Community Leader
Vild is from Norway. She is a Dru yoga teacher, social anthropologist, Reiki Master and holistic therapist specialising in health, chronic illness, recovery and healing processes. Vild shares her personal experiences, learning and insights in our Red Tent Column. She is also the author of Moon Journal 2017. Vild’s website: www.allmenningen.org.
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