There is something so comforting about the rain, which comes after heat. Its very nature is cleansing, refreshing and yes, balancing.
At the moment, after a night of intermittent rain, a relief in itself after so many days of intense heat, a thunderstorm is playing out over the hills, shrouding them in mist. Tiny flashes of lightning and the odd murmurings of thunder are enough to cause Charlie- cat to curl, kitten-like into a tight ball on my knees.
Maddie, who has seen all of this before and takes most things in her stride, is fast asleep on her cushion, whilst Little Rosie is in her favourite basket, convincing herself she is as brave as Maddie, her big sister and role model.
The air is still and as yet, still warm, so more rain to come. As I step outside, all the plants appear to be reborn. Rainwater is their preferred drink, their natural lubricant. All the plants which yesterday were barely holding their own with the benefit of my tap water offerings, are now totally revitalised, their colours deepened.
A bedraggled robin is “bob, bob, bobbing” around the garden, looking so delighted with the worms and grubs, which are again on his menu.
The grass, so scorched by the sun it looked like acid had been poured over it, will regrow. The sheep, horses and cattle will have food. The crops will grow.
For me the feel of a summer storm with its misty greyness, its reassuring rain, its drama and stillness, is one of Nature’s delights. It compares to those deeply snowy days in winter, when we are reminded of natural power and our connection to that power. Allowing ourselves to experience this connection, to join in with what we are being offered, renews us too.