The Calling is Strong Today

Rain Rain Rain. A little rain is manageable, but multiple non-stop down pouring days seem to build the intense feeling when we actually do have a moment, a break....its time to run!

Muddy trails, splatter all the way up the pants to your knees and when it rains so intense even your all weather rain jacket can not keep you dry, wears on the soul. Long, cold drenching days make it more difficult to get outdoors. Even pushing and fighting through it to get daily walks in can be dreary and cold! At-least with a walk close to home, there is a warm fire waiting to dry the layers and warm the heart when you return. Simple walks even in the rain, being among the trees, whispering firs, rumbling creeks ( even the drain ditches of running water tumbling rocks), is joyful and refreshing.

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

When the sky opens, even if its is a brief moment, the clouds part and there are patches of blue hope shining through, the voice calling is more intense. Grab that few minutes of rain-less moments when we have it during Winter months. Today the voice is really nagging inside my heart. Even after walking outside for a 4 mile jaunt on the quiet forest road with the pups, the voice is still calling, " get out now while you can, grab that moment of quiet skies". What makes today the voice stronger? Is it because it has rained solid for a week and the forcast is another week of rain to come, or that I have not actually hiked for a week, maybe the OCD of commitment to accomplish 52 hikes this year?

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, the lushes evergreen state of Washington, we do have our share of rain in the Winter. It wears on many, lack of Vitamin D, dreary endless grey days and out here usually added Gorge winds. After all, most of us PNW people, live here for the great outdoors, green trees, lush forests, endless waterfalls and trails to explore. We would not have the beauty without the Winter rains. It is a learned behavior to grab and go, get out, explore and breathe in not only the fresh air but the magnitude of beauty. Take every minute you can, breathe it in, let it cleanse the soul, re-charge the inner batteries and fill the heart with gratitude for living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Confucius

Don't let the cold, dark days of Winter drag down your energy, see the beauty and let it restore your soul.