Rain / Rivers / Habit

When it rains the way that it rained this week, the streams and creeks of the Catskills all fill up, widen, and gush as they move towards the Hudson or the Delaware River Basin. 

The rain follows its familiar pathways down the mountains, but it also brings to life new bodies of water that, just a few days ago, didn't exist. New streams, brooks, and rivulets appear alongside the old. It's amazing to watch the way water finds its way home. 

In much the same way rivers, streams, and creeks are grooved into the earth, our habits and routines become grooved into our bodies.

Neurologically, we become wired to respond today the same way we responded yesterday. Like water descending the mountain through familiar channels, we default to connections that have already been established in the circuitry of the nervous system.

And if we aren't careful - day after day - year after year - our life passes through the same shapes and follows the same path. Our life becomes a product of old habits. 

So, when it rains the way it rained this week, I am reminded to shed my usual patterns, embrace new movements, dabble in a different creative outlet, drink a different tea, and use a different mug. 

I am reminded to take the nudge, change the canvas, and clear a new path. 

I hope to see you this week.