Since writing my post about later day walking, I’ve also confirmed that I really like walking in the rain, particularly stormy type rain. But even ominously darkening skies are good. I think the main appeal of walking later in the day is the world becomes calmer and more coherent. There is basically less noise, both audio noise and other sensory input. Less light also adds a little mystery to even familiar places. Rainy day walks are more about feeling the primal power of nature.
This might mean more to me because I spend most of my working day tethered to a hot computer and a walk in the elements is a great way to brain floss. But research shows rain also generates negative ions, which can improve mood and mental clarity. Plus you have the chance to see rainbows (yes, I like unicorns too). I know many people find the experience a bit gloomy but personally it’s very energizing.
Just for the record, when I go out on rainy days, I wear wet weather gear. Being out in stormy weather, I like; squelching around in cold, wet clothes and shoes, not so much. Also for the record, I love clear days with crisp, blue skies. This has more to do with the quality of the light – I can barely open my eyes on hazy days. If this is a little difficult to understand, try being aware of the “color” of the light the next time you are outside.
And… so what?
This might seem like a fairly self-indulgent post so far: so you like rainy days…? Actually, both of my walking posts have been inspired by my current read, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. I’m only a few chapters in but its core message seems to be, forget what you’ve heard, introvert, you are just fine how you are – be what thou art. (She says it a lot better in her TED Talk.)
I’m not saying enjoying walking in the wet and dark is necessarily introvert-related – though I suspect it may be – but it is something I would usually hesitate to share. Or at least when I’ve tried in the past, the reaction has been like, well, that sounds pretty depressing… I guess it’s not a big thing and throwing it out into the vast expanse of the Internet makes it seem even smaller but I feel better for daring to be different.
Interestingly, I have noticed that owning my stuff has made me a little more aware of accepting other people’s stuff. If you are going to make yourself vulnerable and put things out there, it seems to make you want to support other people when they take the risk. I believe this may be called empathy. Appropriacy is key, though. If you say something, anything, non-standard, many people will rush to let you know. Just try it on Twitter, for example.
In essence, this is about understanding who you are, accepting that and being ok about sharing it. If you want to. Just quietly embracing your own personal weirdness also feels pretty good, I’m finding. Some people seem to take the line, this is me, if you don’t like it, screw you. The approach seems to empower them but I’m not sure it works so well. They mostly seem tense and defensive. I think I’ll stick with my angle on this one.
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