Finding the rhythm when all you can hear is the rain

We find ourselves in the centre of a storm. There is no telling when it will pass. So, we think of that much-used quote “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” But I find all my joy is diminished due to the constant noise of the ‘rain’. My emotions were awash, drowning in empathy, sympathy, division and worry.

So, I’ve decided just to stop.

To stop it all.

I am going to create my own rhythm. I am embracing this dark season and recognising it for what it is. A season of rest. I am curating the sounds, feelings and experiences in my home. When we wake we light a candle and sing good morning songs to each other. I have created a rainbow colour wheel for the family and everyday we are doing a different activity on that colour wheel. Yesterday’s theme was water and purple so we drank purple smoothies while painting with watercolours. Pausing to do laundry and dishes. We had long luxurious baths… my daughter betwixt giggles and bubbles declared “I have missed this Muma”.

What had she missed? Bath time has always happened, creativity has always been there and if you know me at all you just KNOW that colour is always there!

She has missed the rhythm.

Our rhythm.

The breathing in and then breathing out.

The resting and the pausing.

The presence and the intention.

She can hear our rhythm again. Our ‘tune’ is playing again as we light the candles, sing silly songs, read winter stories, make gifts, eat every colour of the fruit and veg rainbow through the week.

As we put on our brightest clothes to go out in the rain and to places most stormy…

I just know that your ‘rhythm’ is there, your theme tune, your beat to get you dancing. It’s found in whatever makes your face light up, in what makes your heart leap, in the faces of your loved ones, in every favourite bit of clothing, in the wrapping around of a warm cosy blanket or a lovely cup of tea. It’s found in a journal or on a scrap of paper as you write down how you want to live this precious life… and then start doing it.