The rain is falling, the wind is blowing, thunder rolls and the lightening slashes the sky. The storm rolls in. Fear strikes the heart, the weak grow faint.  The storm roars.  It buffets and pounds whatever is in its way.  Yet, storms are necessary, vital. Storms restore the equilibrium of the garden. Storms blow away the debris and expose the newness beneath.

Look to nature and the animals in the garden. How do they handle the storm?

Look to the grasses. They bend together in unison, allowing the wind to caress them to the ground. There is nothing more beautiful than grasses bowing to the ground.  Trees also bend in the direction of the wind; those that crash are caught and cradled by the trees around them. The earth receives their gift. Horses turn their rear to the wind. They allow the wind to flow up and over them, standing together in support for each other. Little animals and birds sit safely in the garden-waiting for the storm to pass. Storms always end- there is never a continuous storm.  And often in the aftermath of the storm, a freshness emerges: where once was destruction, new life appears.

When you are engaged in the storm, follow the teachings of nature. Lean into the storm, allow it to swirl about you until is it spent. Let it pass around you; attempts to control or overcome will not work. Tell yourself:  this too shall pass and when it has moved along its trajectory  take time to notice what  has been left behind and what is new and fresh in your life.