Raindrops...
Contemplating the Beauty and Symbolism of Rain
The rain falls and falls. It rained so much, an afternoon walk was impossible. Likewise jumping on the trampoline, as I did yesterday. So, on this chilly, wet evening, I turn to a bit of traditional Irish poetry - an Irish blessing about rain. These little gems of traditional Celtic wisdom are generally anonymous, a piece of prayer like poetry, formed through the oral tradition and eventually collected in books or on greeting cards. Some Irish blessings have their roots in ancient prayers. Others are of more recent composition.
This particular Irish blessing, which I always go back to when it rains, goes as follows:
“May the blessing of the Rain be on you—the soft, sweet rain.
May it fall upon your spirit, so that all the flowers may spring up, and shed their sweetness on the air.
And may the blessing of the Great Rains be on you: may they beat upon your spirit and wash it fair and clean and leave there many a shining pool, where the blue of heaven shines, and sometimes a star.”
When the rain or the trials of life are dragging my spirits down, I return to this blessing. It reminds me of why it rains, of why we experience suffering. It is for the purification and strengthening of our souls. I like to think that the rain in this blessing may be symbolic for tears. There is always a rain-washed feeling of getting a fresh start after I have a good cry.
The rain brings about growth. Although the sun is hidden and temperatures are lower, the trees continue to increase and darken their foliage, while the buds on the flowers swell. When the sun comes out again, they will be ready to throw open their petals and shine bright!
May you find consolation and hope each day, even in the rain.
