A New Way Of "Seeing"
Rain, impermanence and change
I cannot remember a time when I enjoyed the monsoon season. Except for this faint memory that I have of my childhood when I would happily watch sparrows play in puddles of water after the rains. But for the most part of my “adult office-going life,” I have disliked the rainy season…who likes to be stranded on the road for hours, watch dull days go by without the sun? Not me.
When photography came into my life, it changed the way I looked at the monsoon season. I slowly started to see it with “new eyes”. For instance, I find myself actually feeling delighted when I see big clouds emerging just before a rainy day. I am amazed at how I did not notice these patterns before. I look from my office window at the dark bed of clouds in the city’s skyline and admire the dramatic scene that is out there.
When it rains, I watch the trees move in a rhythmic dance, people navigating the streets with colourful umbrellas, city lights and rainfall creating beautiful colours in the night. I have also felt the joy of spotting a rainbow just after a rain spell. My love for photography has slowly made me change my attitude towards the monsoon.
When it rains, I tell myself: either crib or get creative and that life is offering me these little scenes and snippets that have some character to them. I respect the fact that monsoon season is also a process of rejuvenation for nature and society. Everything revives and thrives when it rains.
Of late when I am stranded at some place due to the rain, I also remind myself about the impermanence of things… that seasons come and go. Moments come alive and die. Trees shed their old leaves to get new ones. Everything around is changing, including me. With this new thought process, I look at the rain with some new found affection and indulgence. I listen to its sounds and savour its sights. And I take photographs.
I’m so happy you are seeing rain with “new eyes”. You photographs are splendid. I love the rebirth that comes after a rain. The grass is greener, the plants and flowers refreshed as the ducks play in the puddles. Driving in it is another story.
Oh boy, we have the same situation:) And I am so glad to be reading this. Growing up, I thought rain was an annoyance. Having immigrated to the U.S., I even avoided the monsoons to visit family. This year however, I could not and am currently seeing monsoon with new eyes. I see rebirth of a nature showered and dressed up to celebrate, I see memories of a childhood past, I see the power of forces beyond us and it teaches me lessons in humility.