avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

The article describes a personal experience of finding inspiration and tranquility during a rainy day, reflecting on nature's power and the beauty of rainstorms.

Abstract

The author shares a reflective account of a rainy day spent in bed, embracing the sounds of a thunderstorm and the ensuing peace. They express admiration for the power of nature as demonstrated through the storm, which serves as a reminder of nature's dominion. The rainy morning provides an opportunity for creative pursuits such as journaling and catching up on reading, with the author drawing motivation and inspiration from the work of other writers on Medium. The article also touches on the changes in the local environment due to the rain, such as the formation of a temporary streamlet and the appearance of mushrooms out of season. The narrative concludes with the rain subsiding, giving way to clear skies and the joyful chorus of birds, which inspires the author to start the day productively. The piece ends with a quote from Vivian Greene about embracing life's challenges.

Opinions

  • The author finds rain to be a soothing sound and appreciates the power and beauty of thunderstorms.
  • They view thunderstorms as a demonstration of nature's control over human activities.
  • Rainy mornings are seen as an ideal time for personal reflection, writing, and reading.
  • The author enjoys the inspirational and motivational effects of reading the work of other writers.
  • The sound of birds after the rain is described as beautiful and indicative of freedom, peace, and happiness.
  • The author values productivity and creativity, using the fresh air and inspiration from nature to work on editing photographs and writing.
  • The quote by Vivian Greene

When it Rains

And thunderstorms are rolling across the valley

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I’m lying in bed listening to the rain. It's pouring down heavily. I have my window wide open. Taking in all the sounds of it. Some thunder breaks the peaceful dropping of water. Rain is such a soothing sound.

I love thunderstorms too. They’re so powerful. I look at it as a demonstration of nature telling us she’s still in charge. No matter what we do she can and will always overrule us. And I think that is beautiful.

A rainy morning is perfect for me to do some journaling, write up new blog posts and catch up on my reading list on Medium. I always save so many articles on my list that I sometimes fall behind in reading them. I tried to designate each day an hour or more just to reading the work of amazing writers on Medium.

It motivates me, makes me smile, sometimes it inspires me too, or it makes me think about past memories and trips I’ve been on.

I can hear some water flowing. It’s been raining for a while now and a small streamlet must have formed in the valley. We don't have a permanent river flowing through the village. This area is rather dry I’ve realized last summer.

But this summer seems to be wetter. I've even seen some mushrooms on my walk yesterday. Mushrooms usually don’t appear until late September/ early October. But I’m glad about it. We need the rain.

Living on the hillside the water quickly makes its way down to the bottom of the valley. It’s dripping off the roof, running down the stairs, and flowing over meadows.

Looking out the window I can only see the grey of the clouds. But I can hear it all. The rain. I can hear raindrops falling onto the grass. And I can hear a crow in the neighbor’s garden complaining about the weather. She should just be quiet and hide somewhere like all the other birds.

Whenever the rain stops all the songbirds appear and throw the most amazing melodies out. Sounding across the valley those melodies talk about freedom, peace, and happiness.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

About an hour later it all stopped. The rain. The roaring sound of the thunder. All gone. But what you can hear now are the birds. Happily chirping and flying from one tree to another. Singing with their most beautiful voices.

Moisture is rising from the forest creating fog hanging above the mountains. The fog is a bit darker, grayer, than the clouds in the sky. Some blue appears as time passes.

Time for me to start the day and be productive. With fresh air blowing into the flat I’m wide awake and inspired to get work done. First, I’ll edit some of my photographs taken yesterday late evening and then I’ll fix this article up. Add some photographs and out it goes.

All while listening to the birds, watching the fog rise into the sky, and waiting for another rain shower to come. I’ll finish off with a famous and well-known quote but one that describes my mindset and passions the best.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Greene

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Join my email list here if you would like to read more photo essays, nature writings, or posts about my adventures in Africa

Nature
Nature Writing
Life
Inspiration
Journaling
Recommended from ReadMedium