Love rain #06

Lately I've noticed a lot of tragedy in my life and the lives of those around me. And I've noticed that the only way I've been able to deal with it is by surrounding myself with those who care for me, and I've also noticed that my friends that take the longest to heal are those who spend the most time without their friends and family. As much as I try to be there for my friends, some would rather be alone and deal with it on their own, and it hurts me to see them hurt.

Think of rain as the pain you're feeling in the moment. Think of it as something you drive through, you walk through, that no matter how fast you run or drive, it still engulfs you and makes you wet, and cold. And maybe you feel alone in that rain. Maybe you don't think it will ever stop, at least not until you're soaked to the skin. The rain is coming down until it stops, and no sooner. You don't know when it will stop, neither do I. But go and get an umbrella, or look for shelter. It will stop. Trust me. Even Noah only had to go through 40 days of rain.

Think of the rainbow as the time after the rain stops. Think of the beauty of the rainbow, how the many colors couldn't be any more beautiful if an artist drew them for you. Think of the sun, peeking through the clouds. Think of how the world is a more beautiful place because of the rain, and because of the rainbow, and how nothing can grow without rain, and how we can't enjoy pleasure without pain. Realize the rain was a temporary, though necessary, part of your life.

Don't forget your umbrella and your shelter. Surround yourself with those who love you, who can give you shelter, and warmth, and help you dry off and make it through the storm.

Love rain #05

Having a pair of rain boots handy is important, especially for kids. While it may not yet be the rainy season, rains do come and go throughout the year hence; having a pair we can easily slip our kids into when it rains will save us the trouble of worrying how to keep them warm and dry every time they have to go outside in the rain.

The tricky part for some parents is to have them actually slip into the boots. Most kids these days are very conscious about what they wear and sometimes, wearing rain boots is not what they would consider cool.

However, there are now plenty of rain boots kids will love. They no longer only come in those dull, plain colors that we were used to back in the days. They come in wonderful designs that will definitely make them more attractive even to choosiest kids.

Before we buy a pair of rain boots kids will love, we have to check for certain features. First of which is of course their ability to repel water and rain. Sometimes, there are boots that are poorly-made that just a few minutes under the rain will already have our kids' feet soaking wet. Rubber and vinyl are two of the most common materials used for rain boots.

Soles are another consideration. Reinforced soles will not only ensure that the risk of our kids slipping is eliminated but also that the sole will not peel-off easily especially when the kids are playing rough in puddles.

If we want our kids to use their boots at least for more than a year, we should consider getting a pair that is a bit bigger than their actual size. This way, the can comfortably wear these even with thick socks on, plus they can still use them for about another year or two.

Last but not the least, is the design. In this area, our kids will definitely want to join us as we pick the right pair. We can help them choose the designs, specific for boys and girls, and since there are quite a few; we can even have fun comparing each design before finally picking one.

If we want to view rain boots kids can choose from, we can easily get online and browse through the internet. We will find that most of the boots sold in retail outlets or department stores are also being sold online.

And if we are looking for a convenient way to shop, especially since our kids will do the shopping with us, what could be more convenient than online shopping? We can easily see all the available rain boots right online, without having to dread temper tantrums in public.

Once we have picked out the design, color and the size; we can just have these delivered directly to our homes. In addition to all these conveniences, there are certain shops that also offer free shipping and delivery so this is definitely another plus factor to online shopping.

Love rain #04

Shopping for a toddler rain boot is one of the fun elements of parenting. Kids get excited when they pick out their boots because they know it means they get to splash in puddles and run through the rain without getting cold and wet. Parents love shopping for boots as well because they get to see their little one's faces light up with joy.

Fun is an essential element when it comes to rain boots for growing toddlers, but parents also shoulder responsibility to ensure the boots are functional and stylish.

The problem with cheaply made rain boots is that they often allow small leaks of water to get into the boot, and we're not talking about from the top of the boot which tends to be wider than the leg. We're talking about rain that comes from the bottoms of the boot because it is not properly designed and sealed between the sole and the upper part of the boot.

That is why it is important for parents to purchase toddler boots from well known brands that dedicate their designs to comfort, style, as well as functional purposes. These boots will be designed to keep all of the water out, rather than just most of it.

Keeping most of the water out is not good enough when you purchase a toddler rain boot! Their small feet must be completely protected from the cold and the water or they will become irritable, cranky, and could even get sick.

Parents should make sure their boots are made of thick material, designed to keep all moisture out, and that they are from a reputable designer or brand.

Toddler style is very different from adult style. What is in for mommy is not always in for the children in the family, but when you look around the market for toddler boots you will clearly see what kids are after today.

Rain boots for toddlers tend to come in bright colors and playful patterns and pictures. For instance, little girls often go for pink boots with cute rainbows, frogs, or ladybugs. Little boys love to run around in firefighter boots or bright boy colors such as blue and green. Frogs are a popular design for little boys as well.

You can even find boots that feature characters that toddlers love. For instance, little girls are often seen wearing Hello Kitty boots.

Above it all, rain boots for toddlers have to be super fun. When it comes down to slipping them on a child's feet and going out for an afternoon of play, the fun is all they care about. They know that their feet aren't wet or uncomfortable but they don't think about that. They just think about the puddles they want to jump in!

The toddler rain boot is an essential item to have on hand, but parents have to remember the functional side of the equation. The fun of shopping is in looking at the different colors and designs being offered by different brands and designers, but the fun of puddle splashing starts as soon as the rain lets loose from the sky. The rain can come at any moment on any day, not just on a cloudy spring day. Parents...are you ready for it?

Love rain #03

Before going to Vermont this summer, I imagined myself bike riding through tree-lined paths nestled in the lush green countryside with the sun glistening on my face. With no cell phones, internet or TV to disturb the stillness, here was the opportunity to be present in the glorious natural moment. I, however, was not to experience the warm sun on my face or the lush green countryside in the way I had imagined. Instead, on the day set aside for bike riding, the skies opened up in a downpour. I had a choice. I could ride in the rain or forego that picturesque adventure in the woods. Rather than let the rain dampen my joy, I chose to ride 11 miles in the pelting rain. Despite soaked denim shorts plastered to my body and droplets dripping from my eyelashes, I enjoyed the quaint covered bridges, breath-taking scenery and fresh, cleansing scent of the rain coming down. Yes, I was living in the now and savoring every moment. You see, living my joy despite outer conditions is not just something I should do, but something that I practice every chance I get.

The key word here is practice. Because when joy seems to evaporate --whether it's from a financial crisis, a relationship ending, a medical diagnosis or loss of a loved one, that's the time many of us forget our spiritual practice of positive prayer and meditation or become too overwhelmed to do it. When this occurs, and it happens to most of us, remember to be gentle with yourself and with other people.

It's hard to be gentle with ourselves when we are moving at breakneck speed, being bombarded with information overload and multi-tasking. Yet, if we can simplify our lives and savor the present moment just the way it is, we naturally cultivate compassion, empathy, light and love.

Finding someone else to blame for lack of joy is a facade that relives us of responsibility for our thoughts, feelings and emotions. However, we are always responsible for what we are thinking, and our thoughts act like a magnet attracting what we focus on. By taking a gentle approach with ourselves and others, even when our thoughts run astray, we simply cannot be angry at our spouse, our boss, our government or the rain. Spiritual living cultivates that gentleness and awakens us to the joy of living. Now, we come to understand that we truly are God in action. As such, we open to our individual joy and something goes into action to transform the world.

If the rain is pouring down on you, remember that you see the rainbow after the rain. Remind yourself to practice patience while the rain passes as it certainly will. Often when we are in painful situations, we get distracted by the outer sensory world or world of conditions and feel like we've lost our connection with God. A good way to remember that you are never disconnected to your Source is to consider that when a rainbow appears, the sun is behind you and the rain in front of you. All you have to do is shift your position to see the sun, which never left in the first place. Likewise, in moments of fear and panic, we can shift our consciousness and see our Source that never left us and will never leave us.

When experiencing a rainy season in your life, you have an opportunity to re-capture joy because, like the sun, it was not gone even though it may have been clouded over for a while. This is the time not to stop your spiritual practice of positive prayer and meditation, but to continue it knowing you can change your consciousness and come back to joy.

The stress of daily living and forsaking spiritual practice, such as prayer and meditation, clouds our ability to be gentle, loving and joyous. When we alleviate stress through our spiritual practice and practice the joy of living in the present moment, we peel back the layers of frustration and anger, and the purity of natural bliss remains and flows from us to others. In this way we rise through the modes of action from Drama Dance to living in Infinite Bliss.

Whether it's drizzling or pouring, our light is not extinguished from a little rain (although it may flicker from time to time) rather the rain is like watering a plant, nourishing it and making it stronger and more beautiful with growth. Some of our greatest teachers and masters from all spiritual traditions have experienced downpours and emerged enlightened with a deepened ability to transform lives through their example. Even today, they continue to aide humanity and charge us with love and light whenever we make the call.

When the rain comes, rather than dwelling on it or worrying about the outer conditions, remember to shift your position in consciousness. This is how to change the rain into rainbows. This is how to see the sun that is ever-present much like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow which represents joy. For me, this brings to mind the question, "How did the pot of gold get there in the first place?" One ancient legend says that angels put that pot of gold there. But there's a catch. Only a man not wearing clothing could obtain the gift. Well, that little glitch won't stop me from claiming the gift of joy. I'm going for the gold no matter what my gender or the dress code. And, yes, I plan to be in full attire when I get there.