Happiness IS Health

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My favorite part of the city is the Cultural Gardens. The bridges, the fountains, the nod to people and places.

One of my favorite events in the city is One World Day.

I knew there was rain in the forecast, and last time I ‘took a chance’ we ended up with a really long drive to ‘not hear’ the music we went to see, and a pretty white-knuckled drive home.

Today we also got caught in a storm.

After driving 41 minutes in beautiful sunshine and walking a fair distance from where we parked to the actual gardens, dark clouds had gathered.

When the Storm Comes

Of course, Olivia wanted to turn around.

Of course, I wanted to press a little bit further, the Wailin’ Jennys lyrics coming to me like an anthem.

When that storm comes, don't run for cover,
When that storm comes, don't run for cover,
When that storm comes, don't run for cover,
Don't run from the coming storm, no there ain't no use in running.
When that rain falls, let it wash away,
When that rain falls, let it wash away,
When that rain falls, let it wash away,
Let it wash away, that falling rain, the tears and the troubles.
When those lights flash, and you hear that thunder roar,
When those lights flash, and you hear that thunder roar,
When those lights flash, and you hear that thunder roar,
Will you listen to that thunder roar and let your spirits soar.
When that love calls, open up your door,
When that love calls, open up your door,
When that love calls, open up your door,
You gotta stand on up and let it in, you gotta let love through your door.

I lured Liv on with the promise of perogies, and so we continued.

We came upon the Indian garden just as  a few drops started to fall.

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After some picture prodding by me, I noticed a few people gathered on a tarp in the middle of the garden.

Of course I walked right up not really knowing what was happening, but I figured if it had anything to do with India I’d be down 😉

It was a mini yoga session.

Olivia choose not to to participate, but I wasn’t going to pass up yoga in the gardens, so down I sat.

Almost instantly, the skies opened, the thunder sounded, and the rain poured.

The Moment is Perfect

And Sunder Iyer (I later found out that was who was leading us through the practice) commented on how beautiful this all was. How simply wonderful.

What I normally would have found annoying  – driving there only to have it rain for the 10 minutes we stopped to actually do something – became almost transcendental.

You can see the bliss on my face!

Sunder Iyer talked to us about kriyas and mudras. We used our hands like lotuses – opening them on the inhale and slowly closing them on the exhale.

He talked about embracing the stillness of the mountain in our asanas, and in our lives.

I could feel each rain drop individually as I held open my hands. The sensation of each individual hair getting denser on my head, The breath of the trees. And the energy of those in that sacred space with me.

I felt CONNECTED to it all.

I thought to myself, “The moment is perfect.” Thank you Thich Nhat Hanh for those words.

The moment was like a baptism, but one I actually was aware of. A cleansing of the type I didn’t want to end.

There was shedding, but no shame.

A soul bath to be sure.

More to Do – More to Come

I know I still have work to do in being ‘present.’ While I was in the midst of this feeling of spiritual ascension I also was aware that Olivia was not feeling ‘ascended,’ but rather cold, and hungry, and wet, and I also very much wanted to capture the moment to share.

I forget that sometimes I rob myself of full immersion in the moments I love, because the writer, and connector in me wants “all beings everywhere” to experience the same sense of elation, and connection, and mysticism that I feel when I do things like practice yoga, or travel, or read a great book.

I was so moved by what I experienced that I think I’m going to make practicing yoga in the rain a thing.

I plan on reaching out to Sunder Iyer to see if he would be willing to lead a session so stay tuned! You can check the Work With Me page to see what I’ve currently got scheduled.

You can learn more about Sunder Iyer here.