Everyone is talking about the deluge that will saturate Big Sur for the next week. I've never see such excitement for rain. Like it's the first snow of winter and we're kids again. Everyone is running around nervous and giddy at the same time. I am beginning to understand that this is the Big Sur equivalent of a snow day.
All this rain - 22 inches predicted - means life slows down. You can't work outside, which is where most of us spend half our days. Roads might get washed out stopping our long, often stressful errands in town. (I have friends who are almost wishing there will be a mudslide just to get a forced break from driving to town!) With the rain comes cold, windy days, so we keep the fireplace smoldering and the house cozy.
But, first we have to run to town to stock up on any necessities just in case we're stuck at home for longer than expected - things like toilet paper and rice and dog food. We resupply our larder of dry firewood and kindling and bring in big armfuls to keep by the hearth so we won't have to brave the cold rain late at night. We scurry around our yard, putting tarps over things that aren't waterproof, gathering tools and supplies to put in the shed, making sure nothing is out that can easily blow away in the gusts of wind so common with these storms. I feel a little like an ant. It's fun, the whole "batten down the hatches!" feel to preparing for days on end of rain.
Then the rain arrives. And we relish it. Not only because it brings much needed water but because it slows us down. We settle into it, like a big bear in winter settles in to hibernate. We curl up next to the fire with our loved ones, sipping hot tea, and wondering at the beauty of mother nature's fury. We read books, take naps, bake, sew, reconnect with our families and ourselves.
Adjusting to this "Rain is coming!" life, where you bend your routine around the weather, feels awkward, but I like it. I get such a strong sense of community just by the fact that we are all affected by this one thing. We are all going about preparing at the same time. We are all thinking and planning and looking forward to the same event. We are all ready to help and support each other if there is a mudslide.
And, what is most awkward for me but is routine for everyone who has been here a while, we accept that, while we do what we can to prepare, in the end we relax into the storm. I don't know how to explain it, but I'll try. Life is bigger than our own selves, right? We all struggle with that truth. I just see that here, in a place where wild animals, fires, and storms can do all kinds of crazy stuff and people can do NOTHING to stop it, I see people comfortable with the bigness of life around them. This is what I struggle with but am learning to do. The letting go. The relaxing after preparing, so that we can enjoy the beauty of the storm and not just fear its power.
