Today was about water. It actually started last night with a never ending irrigation project at the farm. I needed to leave today for a conference and had some stops along the way but last night, the finishing touches on the irrigation system were leaking. I was awake very early to fix things up but I still didn’t get away until too late to do all I wanted to do.
I rode in the rain most of the day. Ironic that an irrigation project made me late and I ended up riding in the rain because of it. We’ve all seen those poor cyclists and motorcyclists making their way through a deluge…today it was me. After 4 hours, it was getting “a little old,” until I started to think.
This ride to the conference was an opportunity to pinpoint packing problems and sort out my electronic stuff. Rain was a good opportunity to see if my gear would help or hinder through inclement weather. It was a great opportunity to sharpen my riding skills and get some miles under my belt in preparation for my journey.
The water washed over my helmet, faceshield and riding suit. I thought about why I was taking this ride and what role water and rain can play when one is depressed. Many people talk about Seasonal Affected Disorder and how those grey days can have such a negative affect on mood. While the relentless rain can be formidable there is another angle.
I was talking to a friend the other day who fights depression and sees water as a friend. When she feels a slump looming, one of the first things she does is have a long shower or bath and give herself a good hard scrubbing…like she’s washing the Depression away.
Water is a cleanser.
I contemplated that as I rode through the rain and wondered if a lot of people battling depression took the same approach or is it different for everyone?
I rode in the rain most of the day. Ironic that an irrigation project made me late and I ended up riding in the rain because of it. We’ve all seen those poor cyclists and motorcyclists making their way through a deluge…today it was me. After 4 hours, it was getting “a little old,” until I started to think.
This ride to the conference was an opportunity to pinpoint packing problems and sort out my electronic stuff. Rain was a good opportunity to see if my gear would help or hinder through inclement weather. It was a great opportunity to sharpen my riding skills and get some miles under my belt in preparation for my journey.
The water washed over my helmet, faceshield and riding suit. I thought about why I was taking this ride and what role water and rain can play when one is depressed. Many people talk about Seasonal Affected Disorder and how those grey days can have such a negative affect on mood. While the relentless rain can be formidable there is another angle.
I was talking to a friend the other day who fights depression and sees water as a friend. When she feels a slump looming, one of the first things she does is have a long shower or bath and give herself a good hard scrubbing…like she’s washing the Depression away.
Water is a cleanser.
I contemplated that as I rode through the rain and wondered if a lot of people battling depression took the same approach or is it different for everyone?
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