I took a seat by the 2nd-story window in the mall food court during my lunch hour. People-watching is a habit of mine, and this spot was as good as any to entertain that - in fact today, it was an especially interesting vantage point. Outside, the weather was what many of the Buffalo days seemed to be like this summer - rainy. Strong gusts of wind from the lake flew through the streets shaking trees and forcing the hot dog vendors to watch their canopy covers closely. Those who decided to walk outside (many of which were forced to if they wanted lunch), leaned into the misty spray or attempted to angle their umbrellas so they weren’t ripped from their hands. In the courtyard across the street, trees swayed rhythmically together, shedding leaves onto the grassy floor beneath them.
Since I had beat the lunch hour crowd, the area around my seat was quiet and comfortable, and I was able to watch the active scene outside as a detached observer. Inside, light conversation hummed over the occasional pitter-patter of rain against the large window. It inevitably got my brain working: it’s amazing how much the weather in general affects our demeanor, actions and moods.
It’s not simply a matter of comfort either, what I’m referring to. Of course, a cold rain or a blistering sun can be an unpleasant experience, but if you look beyond the obvious and mull over the subtle differences that changes in the weather create, it’s quite an interesting topic. How do we interact with the natural environment around us?
It’s a difficult notion to grasp totally because we as modern people are very accustomed to internal climate control, air-conditioned offices, and humidity settings to name a few. If the weather outside (or inside for that matter) doesn’t meet our criteria, a simple flick of the switch is usually all it takes. I think that, in large part, has changed us and the way we interact with our surroundings.
Do you believe that the comforts we have in our houses and offices help or hurt us in the long run? Many studies have concluded that a minimal amount of sunlight on our bodies is necessary for endorphin production, mood stability and general health. I love rain and would argue that even the sound and feel of it can have therapeutic properties. Wind, whether it is an invigorating cold gust or a warm calming breeze, can cover both mental and physical stress (assuming it’s not a “warm breeze” of city bus exhaust).
Health benefits aside, don’t you agree that the mental and emotional advantages of experiencing the elements is at least a reality? Our typical “feel-good” zone of 70 degrees and slightly humid is not one that I’ll argue with, but what about stepping out into a frigid winter night or paying attention to your body reacting to a sumemr heat wave? I would even go so far as to say many of these experiences can be extremely meditative, if you only allow it. Sure, these things may not be ideal physical comfort conditions (most of the time they can stray far from it). The key here is focus on the word “physcial”.
Working out is hard on your body, right? Well, most people would agree that there is a certain level of discomfort (even pain) associated with a heavy workout. None of them however, will dispute the mental clarity and physical endurance gained from it after the fact. I suppose it is the same thing with our surroundings. We shouldn’t deprive ourselves of experiences due to a mainstream level of comfort.
I should probably take my own advice and take a walk or enjoy a seat on the porch instead of playing Xbox. Next time there is that fantastic lightning storm, pull yourself away from Dancing With The Stars and go out and watch it! Who cares if you get a little wet? Go out and listen to the perfect quiet of a winter’s day during a heavy snowfall. Pay attention to your surroundings and let each sense have its turn, you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll pick up on - and just like the days after a good workout, you’ll begin to find that the world around you is more than the internet or a television, it’s a living breathing entity.
Have you ever been caught in a bit of dangerous or amazing weather? Do certain conditions evoke different emotions and memories within? What kinds of cool experiences have you had? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts!
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8 Comments
Hi John,
I used to travel quite a bit for work, and on one occasion I was visiting the office in Malaysia, at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. I can’t remember how high up I was - possibly on the 40th floor - and a storm was brewing. It was a full-glassed office, so we could see everything that’s happening out there … the dark clouds, the first bits of rain falling down, and when the lightning flashed, it felt pretty near! Perhaps this isn’t close to what you’re suggesting here in your post, since I was still in the enclosed comforts of an office, but I felt really close to nature at that point. It was quite exciting.
There was also another occasion when I was in the UK many years back, and I saw a small twister for the first time in my life - headed towards me! It broke midway when it came closer. That was freaky, but very memorable.
I think this is beautifully written John, and it triggered a couple of travel memories for me, thank you.
Irene,
That sounds amazing - most certainly not an experience that I would forget anytime soon! Sometimes that dichotomy of being cozy inside, like you’ve said, with such a powerful force on the other side makes it that much more interesting. 40 stories up and to think just a sheet of glass seperated you from it!
I can’t say I’ve ever seen a twister (and most certainly would not go actively searching for one) but it sounds like you were very lucky. It’s happenstance events like that which really give you a new respect for the elements around you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! I really enjoyed this article. Staying inside and staying comfortable takes us so far away from nature and our earth. There is so much to learn in nature. Taking the time to walk in the woods in the sun or the rain. Think of all that you get to see. Or playing outside in the snow like when we were kids. Enjoying, forgetting worries and just being. I one time got caught in a snow storm. I drove right into it. My car went off the road. My friend and I were pretty annoyed to say the least. We did call for a tow but it was going to be a while. We ended up going out in the snow and making snow angels! remember those! It was so much fun. after we sat in the car and had one of our best conversations ever. it was great!!!
Angie,
Believe me, as a fellow Buffalo native, I can definitely attest to snow angels!
You touched on a great concept - “just being.” Sometimes, letting your surroundings envelope you can be much more of an experience than hot or cold, wet or dry. If you take the time to just be, as it seems like your and your friend were forced to do, you’ll often find that the result is much more than you expected.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Nicely written John.
I had an amazing experience with nature and the elements when bushwalking in the Grampians in Victoria Australia. As we approached the base of a rocky hill a cloudy mist moved in and we were completely surrounded by fog. I have never seen fog that thick in all my life. What was so incredible though was that everything became silent – not a breath of wind, no bird sounds, no rustling leaves – nothing. It is one of the few times in my life I have experienced total silence and it was awesome.
Leanne,
My wife and I have always wanted to go to Australia, it seems like such a beautiful country. It’s impressive how the animals and life around react to external stimuli as one like you’ve described.
Not hearing anything - trains, buses, crowds or ambient noise - that is a strange and wonderful experience indeed!
Hi John: I walk to and from the gym every weekday (about a 12 minute walk each way). I see birds, I walk past a park, I see the ocean (in Panama you see the ocean everywhere), I pet dogs being walked by their owners, and I get some sun (I wear a high USP sunscreen). Sometimes it rains and, although I carry an umbrella, I usually get pretty wet. I think these walks keep me more attuned to nature, which is so important in these high-tech times. I like how this post is written.
Marelisa,
It’s good to hear you’re able to enjoy your walks as much as you do - I wish I was able to see the ocean as much as you! We’re by Lake Erie, so I guess that will have to do.
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