This year I decided to challenge myself to reflect on various Yoga and Buddhist aspects throughout the year. The challenges come from a variety of places including readings in Deborah Adele's Yamas and Niyamas and Thich Nhat Hanh's Heart of the Buddha's Teaching and Happiness.
This week, I took my inspiration from a quote from Deborah Adele's book: "I am reminded of the wisdom of a 116 year old man, who, when asked the secret to his longevity, replied, 'When it rains, I let it.'"
This feels especially pertinent living in the Pacific Northwest. And even more so given our current weather. You see, it's been hot and sunny and while most complain about the rain, I take umbrage with the heat.
So, this week I worked on "letting it rain". This felt different than letting things go, which I also work on. In order to let things go, first I need to attach to them. Letting things go is, in that way, very reactionary.
Letting it rain was more preventative. I worked on not getting worked up about things in the first place. The heat, of course. But also all the little things that might cause me frustrations. Letting them be as they are. No need to worry, overthink or stress. Just let it be.
I loved it! Definitely a practice to keep. And a good reminder that I have no control over the weather or, for that matter, dozens of other things that happen outside the realm of my body. My primary concern is my thoughts, my actions; not those of everyone else. An easy thing to say, and such a challenging one to practice.