Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

RAIN

Drizzles, Downpours, and the Dance of Hydration

Rain isn’t just weather—it’s a lifeline. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the wonder of rainfall, the science behind hydration, and the childhood joy of getting soaked while nature does its thing.

This is truly a part of nature that we take for granted. The Summer of 2024 on the East Coast has been parched and we are all looking for rain clouds. One day we got the weirdest rain I have ever seen. The songs about running between the raindrops would have been perfect for this one. I work where I can see the rain falling on the deck outside and I was shocked to observe about 4 to 5 feet between each rain drop. Really! The rain also came down so slowly that you could have literally run between the rain drops and not gotten wet! I like warm weather, but I am excited for winter for the first time in my life!

Water is essential for life. A person can survive without water for approximately 3 days. Think of that. If I were a plant in the garden or had to depend on the rainfall for my survival, I would be dead, dead, dead. Do you know what parts of your body are more “water” intensive? Your brain tops the charts at 95% water. Wow! I would never have imagined that. All of those brain cells that house all of our experiences are drowning in water. Lungs and blood come next on the chart being made of 80 to 90% water. Now, let’s just stop there and think about this. No wonder we are encouraged to drink a lot of water each day. The rule of thumb is one ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight. So, at 130 pounds, I should be knocking back slightly more than 8 glasses of water every day to keep my body afloat. And the rules say nothing about wine!

As I write this, miraculously, we are getting a 5-minute monsoon. Raining hard and fast, making it difficult to see across the yard. Then disappearing as fast as it came. The guy mowing the lawn is running for shelter and abandoning his mower for the lower porch. He is smart enough not to take refuge under the big tree. About a year ago, the paper reported the deaths of 3 visitors to the White House being killed by lightning as they sought shelter from the rain under a large tree. When lightning strikes a tree the current spreads through the ground around the tree turning it into a dangerous electrical grid. Stay away from trees folks. Opt to get soaked while heading for the house.

I remember running around the backyard as a kid and getting soaked while my mother was yelling at me to “get my butt inside!” If I could have separated my butt from my body, I would have sent it inside pronto. Do you remember trying to catch raindrops on your tongue? Being a kid in the rain is tons of fun.

Today, I will just have to settle for a drizzle.

Want to explore the science and significance of rain? Visit Sciencing’s overview of rainwater’s importance, European Wilderness Society’s guide to rain’s role in ecosystems, and USGS’s water science school on rain and precipitation.

If you’re reflecting on nature, hydration, or the rhythms of life, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and seasonal wellness.