Just a few minutes ago it started to rain…
I noticed my son's shorts on the lawn. Don’t ask me why their shorts were on the lawn – I’m sure it had something to do with being a little boy and needing to pee on the grass – but that’s irrelevant.
As much as I didn’t want to go out in the rain, especially since I’m wearing a tank top and barefoot, I decided to run out and get the shorts.
As my bare feet hit the cold, wet grass it took my breath away. The rain was falling on my head and arms, and as cold as I was and as squishy as the earth felt beneath my feet – something about it felt exhilarating.
I felt myself smile a giant smile, and laugh a little as I scooped up the shorts. I stood up, opened my arms, took a deep breath, and embraced the moment.
I was instantly brought back to my time in the desert when I was camping in the rain…
Most of the time I spent scared and wishing I had better shelter, but sometimes during the day, I would stand barefoot out in the middle of clay flats with my arms wide open embracing the rain.
I felt so ALIVE.
Don’t get me wrong, having a solid shelter – especially in a storm – is much better than not. But there is such a thing as being ‘too sheltered.’
I’m not referring to the type of ‘sheltered’ we experience when we’re not exposed to the realities of the world – but when we prevent exposure to the world itself. When we spend all of our time indoors, admiring the nature through windows and walls.
It does us a great detriment to completely disconnect ourselves from the natural world. We allow our sense of being alive to be dictated by the synthetic thrills of social media validation or work place drama.
The truth is, all it really takes to feel alive is to go barefoot on the cold earth, in the middle of the rain, or even on a beautiful day. To surrender to the elements; to feel the earth on your hands and feet. to ask nothing of her, but to simply be with her. To breathe with her.
No matter what’s going on in your life, whether you’re high on life or needing a major pick-me-up, GO OUTSIDE.
Do it, TODAY! Take off your shoes, maybe even your shirt, open your arms wide and reconnect with your true nature.
Whether you find yourself running back in from the rain, or strolling back in through the sun rays, when you turn around to look back out before returning to your blessed shelter – remember, that this is always available to you.
Just like a mother's loving arms, always ready for a comforting embrace, mama earth is ready to remind you that you are alive, you're here for a reason, and all will be well.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
With love and gratitude,
Robin
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