Rain

“Some people feel the rain.  Others just get wet.” – Roger Miller

Fortunate to be out of a drought, we’re enjoying a lot of rain in California.  Driving in town today I noticed kids playing in the park despite a little drizzle, people still taking their daily walk. Some of us like myself prefer to stay at home when it rains.  It’s all about how you feel in the rain.

Recently while reading the Book of Joy – conversations with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu – I learned about Anthony Ray Hinton who served 30 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.  After his case went to the Supreme Court, his case was overturned and he was released in 2015.  His powerful perspective on rain deeply touched me.  “People run out of the rain.  I run into the rain.  How can anything that falls from heaven not be precious? I am so grateful for every drop.  Just to feel it on my face.”  You can read his memoir: The Sun Does Shine (which is on Oprah’s book list).

The picture above is in the Rain Room, a permanent installation at the Sharjah Art Foundation in India. It’s described as a surreal experience where you can walk through a downpour without getting wet because motion sensors on the ceiling prevent water from falling on you.  Definitely an interesting concept to be in the midst of rain without getting wet.  I’m thankful for rain and the freedom to feel it on my face or just appreciate it while bundled up inside.

Kindness Matters

“My religion is very simple.  My religion is Kindness” – Dalai Lama

For the past couple of months, my shoulder and arm have been hurting.  I know three other women experiencing shoulder pain which makes me wonder if there is truth in the saying “carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

When we become burdened with pain and challenges, we need relief.   I told my physical therapist today she is a miracle worker. With her care, she is mending my arm.  Care is what our world needs to heal and help one another.

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A week ago I attended a documentary addressing hate in our country today.  A few young men were passing out Kindness Matters cards.  Their gesture was touching as we gathered for this difficult topic.  In a time where we are polarized by politics, we need compassion and consideration to unite us for our common goals: being healthy, staying safe, having freedom.

Kindness matters. Visit the sick, lonely or elderly who may not have family close by, be polite to everyone you meet, let someone ahead of you in line, start your day with gratitude, volunteer for a good cause, give someone a hug, smiles are contagious – pass them on.

http://www.kindnesscards.com