“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. ~ Lao Tzu
This Sunday, the rain continues in California after the post-New Year's flooding. While the rain is greatly needed, the severity of these recent storms bring tragic events (as well as heroic responses). Like storm and flooding events in other parts of the country, daily life is disrupted. People grieve. In time, we adjust and regroup. We become more aware of changing weather patterns and with that, absorb the need to be vigilant, to pay attention to community alerts and check-in and on each other, as has our been way for centuries. Communities can solidify or fall apart. Modern knowledge now brings the sobering understanding that human activity impacts not just social structure, but the very climate itself, including extreme weather.
But rain, like water, can also be seen in a spiritual context. So today has me thinking of Rumi's poetry volume titled "Unseen Rain". Authored and translated by John Moyne and Coleman Barks, 1986, they write: "In some languages of the Middle East the word for "rain" and the word for "grace" are the same. These quatrains are evidence of that invisible gift falling on the mature spirit and master poet...". To me, all Rumi poetry speaks of unseen Grace and all rain is Grace. Unseen isn't, of course, about physical vision; it's about the Unrecognized Divine that is awaiting recognition in an opening within us, each in our own way, at a receptive moment. The overwhelming force of a storm can be that moment, as well as the still quiet peace of meditation.
Listening to the rain outside my door and sensing it as Grace, changes the atmosphere within me and around me. The vibrant green of grass and foliage outside the windows, speaks of renewing life. If we are indeed a living aspect of this wondrous creation we find ourselves in, then that green is a shared renewal within. Wherever you are this Sunday in your spiritual reflection, consider the Grace of rain and yes, the weather. As Jesus put it, "...for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:45.)
This rain storm is very much visible, although it's relationship to the severe drought conditions that preceded the "atmospheric rivers" of rain is not so clearly understood. The drought has been lessened, but not ended. As time moves on, more data will guide human water use and storage policies in this season of climate change. That in and of itself, feels like Grace. (Susan Nettleton)
"Not only do the thirsty seek water, The water too thirsts for the thirsty."--Rumi
For more thoughts on renewal, follow the link: https://hillsidesource.com/renewal
For more Rumi: https://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/.../SunMustCome/index.html