Thursday, October 16 - Rain

 

 

Rain, unlike thunderstorms, never particularly caused me any discomfort. Rain itself is actually quite relaxing to listen to and watch. Chilly, dark, rainy days are perfect for curling up in bed to sleep or read a nice book. It also allows me to make warm drinks such as tea or hot chocolate. Something that is useful for me is that rain can change the mood or atmosphere. For instance, a dark rainy night could be used to help set the scene for a horror movie or story, yet brighter rainy days can signify a day for stay at home relaxation and comfort. Weather is something that greatly helps writers, such as myself, when it comes to dealing with setting and plot.

Although being caught in the rain can be very uncomfortable sometimes, splashing around in the water and having it shower over you can be very soothing. Standing or walking in the rain cools down your body and refreshes your senses. Even under an umbrella, you can feel yourself being washed off. At that point, it will be easier to smell and feel the liquid in the atmosphere. With pollen, plants, and dead leaves being washed away, people with bad allergies will feel brand new after a nice rain.

In a way similar to taking a shower, the air outside will have a humid and slow type of feel to it after it has stopped raining. That feeling reminds me of recycling and renewal. The old plants have died, the rain came, and now the earth is ready to start new and fresh. The dirt has been rinsed and now it’s time for something else to grow in its place. It’s a blissful and calming way to think about how the Earth is always changing.

This kind of weather isn’t for everyone though. Being someone who doesn’t like thunderstorms, the rain can indicate that a strong storm could be coming, making me a little nervous when I see the sky darken. The loud bangs and flashing lights of a storm can cause people paranoia, discomfort and anxiety. The bright flashes of lightning can also cause seizures for those with epilepsy.

Storms and rain have major impacts on our ecosystem and economy. While rain and occasional storms are good for the earth, too much can lead to serious disasters. Flooding is one of the most obvious and major problems with rain. Beaches, lakes, rivers, streams and valleys can be easily flooded, which could cause destruction to land, property, and persons in those areas. Oceans can become restless during storms, which could compromise fishing ships and docks. Fish is a major meat in the diets of people around the world, so bad weather could easily bring down sales for this type of food.

Even if rain isn’t something for everyone to enjoy, it is essential for us and our planet. Without it, our planet would drought and life wouldn’t be stable. Rain isn’t always liked, but it is something that will always be needed by all of us.