Rainy days are for relaxation

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The repetitive sound of rain falling on your roof and windows on a rainy day can provide some of the best stress relief possible. I love sitting next to a window on a rainy day. I turn off the t.v, phone and other distractions such as fans and air conditioners. You would be surprised on just how loud that air conditioner really is until you temporarily turn it off when its blowing in a quiet house. I heat up a cup of hot tea and sit back and quiet myself.

With my eyes closed I begin breathing in slowly the aromas of the tea I chose, I listen. I can hear the pitter-patter of the rain. As it falls on different objects such as the roof, the windows, my porch, the ground, I can begin to tell the difference. Cars drive by, the low hum of a motor. Sometimes their music playing, I can hear the bass notes. Water flowing in a stream down hill on the side of my house. Occasionally I can tell that the sun is trying to play peek-a-boo with the clouds, though on days like today it is just cloudy gray.

The wind whistles through the trees. One of those branches scrapes against my house. Still, I keep my eyes close. I listen harder, focusing on every sound I can hear. Kids splashing in rain puddles and parents yelling for their children to get inside. A bicyclist out for a rainy day ride. An ambulance far off in the distance with its sirens blazing. My mind begins to wander to their story, but I breathe in and re-focus.

As I breathe out, I notice the rain has gotten harder. I can hear the rain pelting the leaves on the massive Catalpa tree outside. It plays a melody in of itself. Then again I can hear the drops fall to the ground from the tree. My wind chime plays with the rain as well. Rain falling into puddles. Rain hitting my car.

I begin to focus on my breathing. Slow. Melodic as well. In and out. In and out. I can hear the slight whistle as it hits the back of my throat before entering my lungs. I can feel the coolness become warm. I feel my muscles begin to relax. My mind clear and free.

My heartbeat begins to play in rhythm with rain. I focus on this for a moment. The rain and my heart in unity. The blood flowing and the water rushing down the street. It is here that I find a center. It is here that I heal.