Golf-ball sized hail inspires!

What a day! Today was the first time I experienced golf ball sized hail. The hail stones pummeled Northwest Calgary with breathtaking intensity. While the hail undoubtedly damaged cars, homes, and gardens, I absolutely love the power displayed by Nature.

To me there is nothing better than a hot day followed by a rip-roaring storm. The storm today surely did not disappoint. What I love about storms like these is the pure wildness of the energy created. I love the dual nature of big storms. That such intensity is created only out of air, water and sun. I love the chance to stand at a window and stare out in awe of what Nature can create with only a few simple ingredients and an even simpler recipe.

I love the questions that arise, like “How on earth can hail grow so big in a cloud?”. But most of all, I love the feeling of how truly powerful Nature actually is. We really pay attention when there is a big storm, but the true power and mystery of Nature is always there. We get a splendid chance to stop and remember that we are one small part of a very big planet. We get the chance to surrender to the whims of Nature and let our day be guided by the rhythms of the planet.

We are so used to not being impressed by Nature that a video of a man having a truly ecstatic reaction to a double rainbow seems funny to us.  We can be so conditioned to control our joy, that ecstatic feeling that naturally wants to rise up and guide our choices.

I admit I had a mixed response when I watched the video. Part of me was wondering how often he smokes weed, but another, hidden, part of me was reminiscent of a time when a simple rainbow inspired deep joy. I think the pure emotion in his response calls to all of us to remember the youthful joy in everyday things.

Today’s storm reminded me to seek joy in every experience and to cherish what is. Maybe next time I’ll see a double rainbow too.