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The Idea of the Week
In books and movies, authors and directors often use weather to set the mood of the scene. A sunny day may bring a positive note to the scene. A foggy and dark scene may induce mystery or tension because you can’t see the impending threat. A rainy day may accompany a heartfelt confession after a rough patch, or it may bring about a sour mood for our beloved characters.
The weather can influence our mood in similar ways, as this VeryWell Mind article explains. Your personal associations with a season can shape how you feel. If winter reminds you of holidays and cozy gatherings, you might welcome the first snowfall with joy. But for others—especially those affected by seasonal affective disorder—shorter days and colder temperatures can bring feelings of sadness or fatigue due to the diminishing sunlight.
The same goes for summer. If you associate warm weather with vacations, social events, or more time outdoors, the arrival of summer may lift your spirits. But if you find the heat stifling or your schedule overwhelming, summer might feel less like a break and more like a burden.
As you may notice, how you perceive the weather or season can affect your mood. If you love the sound of rain, gray days may feel soothing. But if you thrive in the sun and enjoy being outdoors, rainy days could leave you feeling restless or unfocused.
The Practice of the Week
Noticing Your Beliefs about the Rain
How do you feel about the rain? Take a moment to acknowledge what beliefs about the rain you hold. What do you expect to happen during rainy days? What traditions or activities do you tend to do on rainy days? What thoughts come up when you notice rain is in the forecast?
Using Rain as a Mindfulness Technique
The rhythmic pitter-patter of the rain can have a soothing, meditative effect on the mind, even for the anxious mind. Next time it rains, try practicing this mindfulness technique with the rain.
Find a comfortable spot where you can listen to the rain.
Close your eyes and focus on the sound.
Notice where the rain hits, how fast it falls, and the intensity.
If your mind wanders, gently nudge your focus back to the rain.
Next time you need an added boost of focus, try playing nature and rainfall sounds in the background while you work.
RAIN: A Mindfulness Technique for Emotions
You may also consider RAIN as a mindfulness technique. This 2-minute video breaks down the steps. When you need a moment to process what you are feeling, use the acronym RAIN to:
- Recognize what you are feeling.
- Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling.
- Investigate where these feelings arise.
- Nurture yourself by being kind to your experience.
Here is an accompanying free worksheet for you to refer back to as well.
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The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
