Rain Lover Here: Beyond the Splatter

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I stopped disliking the rain when I was in my 20s. Before that, I used to think of it as an inconvenience - muddled shoes, disrupted plans, gloomy skies. Similar to other people, I dread dark clouds appearing over my head. Where I used to live, I worried about the flooding and the damage it would bring. But as I have grown older, I see the rain more positively. I have realized it is more than weather - it cools down people and goes beyond what is physical.

 For starters, I noticed that the rain has the power to pause or restrict unethical behaviors we often see in our daily lives. For example, the streets go empty with town chismosas (gossipers), who seem to flock together under the sun and find themselves lost during heavy rains. On a typical sunshiny day, they cluster to share the latest news and scandals. Even with the advent of technology, they could not find satisfaction in social media exchange or group chat. Stories are best savored with gestures, facial twitching, eyes wide open, and the regular sighs and ahhs in between. And if nature decides to rain down, these chismosas have to retreat to their houses, allowing them to focus on their lives more than that of others. The rain has become a natural silencer, at least preventing the spread of gossip, even momentarily.

 It is fascinating to know that this very simple act of nature can actually make us pause, enjoy the solitude, and probably lead us to self-reflection. For me, rainy days meant enjoying my cup of coffee, cuddling with the people I love, and binge-watching movies while enjoying a steamy bowl of batchoy. The rain slows down everything, and it allows room for some introspection.

 When downpours become heavier at night, I am even more thankful. That means a cooler and more peaceful night. The splatters I hear are like music to my ears. So, every time it rains, I do not regard it as a hassle. Instead, it is a chance to pause, to reflect, and to slow down. Sometimes, all we need is a little rain to wash away our distractions and realign our focus. 

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