“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Green
The author of this quote is really using the storm as a metaphor for when we are experiencing difficult times in our life. She is advising that even when things feel dark or troublesome, we need to learn to find joy and not let it ruin our time. She is right! But taken literally, this statement also rings true. Everyone should get outside and dance in the rain!
Of course, electrical storms should be taken seriously. If there is thunder or lightning, the correct and safe thing to do is to take shelter. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes from the last rumble of thunder before heading back outside. The National Weather Service has good advice for what to do if you are stuck outdoors in an electrical storm.
But if there is no worry of lightning, and if it is just raining and the weather is warm, why not try dancing in the rain? Make sure you have permission, and then you just need to follow a few simple steps to prepare.
Be certain it is a safe storm to be outside in. You can do a visual check out your window, but also check local radar on a smart phone and/or television. If there is any sign of thunder or lightning, do not go outside!
Select a safe space to dance in. Make sure it is away from any potential hazards.
Choose loose-fitting clothing that can get wet. Then decide if you want to be barefoot. If not, select shoes that you will not need right away so they have time to dry.
Have a towel and/or robe ready and waiting just inside the door for when you are finished.
“Anyone who thinks that only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.” — Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was famous for his amazing dancing skills, but being a “good dancer” only matters if you are on stage or in front of a camera. Most of the time, dancing is more about how feel than how you look. Truly all dancing is good if the dancers are enjoying themselves.
So don’t worry if you consider yourself a dancer or not. Just relax and move how you want to. Sway from side to side, wave your arms, skip, jump, twirl. And while you are at it, as Cat Stevens once sang, “If you want to sing out, sing out!”
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” — Bob Marley
Often, no matter where people actually are, they may be thinking about other things. With their brains occupied, they miss out on what is happening in the moment. Don’t let that happen to you! There will be time to think later. Be where you are. Enjoy the moment and feel every drop. It is not only fun, it’s good for all of you — brain, body and spirit!
Science has proven that dancing is good for our brains. It can make us feel relaxed, comfortable, joyful and even powerful! Combine that with the benefits of the rhythmic sounds of the rain falling onto different surfaces and the stimulating feeling of the rain on our bodies, and dancing in the rain is positively good for our mental health.
A healthy brain helps make a healthy body. And whether dancing fast or slow, with little or exaggerated movements, dancing is good for your entire physical wellbeing. The challenge of our bodies adapting to a storm is an added benefit. Plus it is always fun. Even knowing the benefits, dancing in the rain is an enjoyable activity.
Just like the rain soaks into the soil and quenches the thirst of all the plant life, dancing in the rain quenches and replenishes our spirit. You will feel refreshed, renewed and ready for the next challenge.
So why not try dancing in the rain? Stay outside and enjoy the drops as long as you are having fun. Head indoors when you are finished or if you start to get cold. Then repeat on another warm summer day with another simple rainstorm. If the sun is shining and the rain has stopped, don’t forget to look for rainbows!
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