Zen Runners in the Rain

Anyone who thinks sunshine is pure happiness.
has never ran in the rain.

Running in the rain? What are you crazy? Are you nuts? Why in the world would you do such a silly thing like that? Don't you know you're going to get wet?

Rainbow over Miami

Yes! Yes! and YES! Running in the rain is nuts. Running in the rain will get you wet. Running in the rain makes me some sort of CRAZY!

But the truth of the matter is I LOVE RUNNING IN THE RAIN!

Today, my friend Tammy and I began our Virginia Key Trail run embraced by a cool breeze and scattered sunshine. Within minutes Tammy heard this very soft tapping sound. She asked "Is it raining?" I replied..."Na, can't be." But I was wrong! The clouds opened up and the rain began to fall. 

The Sun
breaks through

We both stopped, tilted our heads up and felt the rain fall gently onto our faces. 

What a blessing! I took a moment to breath in the deliciously earthy odor of the wet palms, pine needles, sand, and mud.  I felt buoyed by the tranquility of the setting and forgot about the now pouring rain soaking me from head to toe.

My senses were immediately awaken to nature's healing energy. Just as the rain washes over the earth and rinses out impurities and imperfections, so it also bathed my soul.

Why do I love running in the rain? Here are my reasons for making a rainy run a zen experience. 

1. It's beautiful - period!  
2. It makes me feel alive.  
3. It allows me to be a kid. 
4. I get to run through the MUD!  
5. The smells are wonderfully purifying. 
6. It's quality time with a great friend.  
7. Trails are less crowded. 
8. It makes me some sort of crazy.  
9. It helps clear my mind. 
10. It puts me in the now. 

So the next time it rains, give yourself a treat and go for a run in the rain. You just might find yourself giggling like a kid once again.

Peace within Stillness