WHEN IT RAINS

The rain gives us a universal sense of pause, and somehow a certain kind of comfort or peace. We experience the same behavioral patterns when it rains - we momentarily stop and stare, stand up, and observe the raindrops gradually invade our window panes.

Growing up in a tropical country, I have learned to live with both sun and rain. I personally enjoy both seasons and try to maximize them by appreciating how it somehow becomes a part of our daily lives. And though the rain could mean wet shoes and pavements and long lines of people and cars on a commute, it is when it rains that I find myself feeling a special kind of joy and solace. It is when it rains that I am reminded to take things slow, enjoy and accept my pace, and simply live and bask at the moment.

When it rains, the plants celebrate in glee. You would know it from the vibrance of their leaves and the way they seem to sway in a certain rhythm along with the cold breeze. In a certain way, all the troubles of the day seem to get washed away and get replaced by delight and comfort.

The rain gives us a certain sense allegory; Aside from the idea of slowing down, it symbolizes the celebration of coming clean; it encourages the idea of remembering, of longing, and yes, even grieving; it gives us a visual representation and reminder of renewal - it represents an idea of newfound hope and starting over. I love it when it rains, even for just a little while, it gives us the perfect excuse to stand up for a while, look at the views around us, welcome the breeze and be alone in our thoughts.

It rained the whole day last Friday, it was actually because of a tropical storm. It is also the indication for all of us to prepare ourselves and our homes for the rainy season and slowly bid Summer a sweet and temporary farewell. With all the troubles going on in the world and my country, I continue to hope and pray for God's wisdom and protection to reign in our hearts and minds. 

I documented a bit of last Friday and shared it in my VLOG. It's a project that I started last March, at the beginning of the ECQ here in Manila. The channel is mostly an extension of this blog and will more or less focus on short videos about the things that I see and experience from both special and regular days. I honestly don't know when I'll be out in the world again, so this medium has kept me creative and observant in the sense that I get to observe the things that surround me and appreciate it in all its layers.

I don't normally update on Mondays but I just really wanted to check in with you and share a bit of the thing I've been thinking about lately. I'm excited to share with you another feature on HEYDAYS WITH_ tomorrow!

Even if it rains, I hope that we cling unto the little things that remind us of this beautiful life. Even when it rains, may we continue to see the good in things and people, and consciously live with an attitude of gratitude. I wish you all a great week ahead.

Happy Heyday!