Embracing The rain with Jala Namaskar (Water Salutation) and Acceptance June 22 2025
- rockbriarfarm
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Embracing the Rain
I was sitting at the library the other day thinking about how disappointed we feel when we get rainy days in the summer. Someone told me that last Saturday was the 14th rainy Saturday in a row. That kind of rain is especially hard for people who work a traditional Monday to Friday schedule; so many expectations get pinned on a sunny weekend.
While I love beautiful, sunny summer days, I don’t hate the occasional rainy one. Given the amount of rain we have been having, however, I had been feeling a bit gloomy. I decided to remind myself what a rainy summer day is good for. I created a list and only included things that I have done and loved! Here is my list of what I believe a rainy summer day is good for:
Being thankful that you do not have to water your planters.
Consuming a good beach read (no need to actually be at the beach).
Taking a lovely walk in the rain.
Getting an ice cream - the lines at the ice cream place at the beach will be shorter (copy that for the clam cake and chowder shack).
Cooking a special meal.
Watching a movie on the couch with popcorn.
Going to the movies (and having the above-mentioned popcorn)
Doing a puzzle.
Playing Giant Jenga (a favorite among my friends).
Taking a bubble bath with a scented candle.
Practicing lovely slow flow yoga.
Writing a handwritten note to a friend.
I have also experienced several outdoor concerts in the rain, with an Eric Clapton one being the most memorable. Once I let go of my expectations of dry clothes, it was truly exhilarating. In short, I suggest that we indulge ourselves with some lovely self-care and relaxation when it rains. Instead of being the gloomy person complaining about the rain, we become the happy one finding joy and contentment in embracing what mother nature presents us with. Remember, rainy summers result in beautiful flowers and green grass! When the sun shines, we will give thanks for the raindrops.
Our yoga practice helps teach us patience; patience with ourselves in our personal practice and patience for things that do not go as planned, like rain on a day we hoped would be sunny. We know that having patience when it rains will result in beautiful flowers and verdant gardens. Sticking with the gardening analogy, as we cultivate resilience and patience, we will reap the benefits of contentment, acceptance, and joy. We also know that like our physical yoga practice, finding this patience and acceptance off the mat takes continual efforts. The patience that we nurture when doing a physical practice teaches us that it gets easier as we continue to do it; life’s challenges also become easier as we cultivate acceptance off the mat. And while rain can seem gloomy and dreary, let’s remember that rain cleanses and purifies. It nourishes the earth, quenches the soil, plants, and flowers. Without rain, we would not have the produce we eat or the flowers that bring us happiness. The rain also adds to the rivers and oceans and helps those ecosystems flourish. So, next time it rains, put on some boots, grab an umbrella, jump in the puddles, and let the rain nourish you too!
Our Practice - Jala (Water) Namaskar
This week as we think about the beauty and power of rain we will incorporate a Jala Namaskar, into our practice. This sequence, a water salutation, is inspired by the fluidity and rejuvenating properties of water. It's a series of flowing movements, often performed in a way that mimics the gentle and graceful nature of water.
Attached below is a link to an instructional video that I made which takes you through the Jala Namskar that we did today and will practice this week. Feel the flow of the water and enjoy. Enjoy it and other videos on my YouTube channel.
Meditating (and Random Thoughts) on Rain)
"Some people feel the rain, others just get wet," ~ Bob Marley
“When life throws you a rainy day, play in the puddles.” ~ Winnie the Pooh
"I've learned you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights". ~ Maya Angelou
Bob Marley pointed out that you can either be sad about the rain or embrace it and feel its purpose. I believe that he found beauty in embracing situations that presented themselves, living in the present, enjoying each moment. This could be the feel of the rain on your face while acknowledging its power to nurture the earth. I also think that he believed that some people experience situations with little feeling while others are deeply affected by difficult times. I hope that I am the latter.
Bob Marley’s songs, much like Bob Dylan’s, are filled with messages about social justice. I love the song "So Much Things To Say" which advocates speaking out about what is right. There is a lovely line that points out that when it rains, the rain falls indiscriminately on all rooftops.
Link to Bob Marley performing the song "So Much Things To Say" in Santa Barbara in 1979 is below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zujq--_gG5A
Nurturing with Food – Green (Vegetable) Soup
Whether it is raining or just dreary, even in summertime a bowl of soup is wonderfully nurturing. While I know it is not quite zucchini season, I do still have some frozen shreds in my freezer from last summer. I love making this soup that I simply call Green Soup which features whatever “big green” vegetables you have on hand along with the base of onions, potatoes, celery, and dried green peas. Enjoy!
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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