07/05/2026
Sunny spells 😉 (possibly a 🌈 on Saturday) - you might want to grab your pac-a-mac. See you all bright and early for Tai Chi for Health.
A customer asked me yesterday whether Tai Chi in the Park would still take place in the rain? Of course, was my reply - it brings about a whole new level of mindfulness :)
It got me thinking.........
I used to love nothing more than a run in the rain! Cooling, and quieter streets, parks, and paths, sounds, the feel of raindrops, the freshness - sometimes even running faster to escape the cloud burst. Reflection and reward of those experiences will last forever.
If you lean into it instead of resisting it, a walk in the rain can shift from “inconvenience” to something closer to a moving meditation.
So, I tried it this morning, up early, with my dogs on Bingley Moor - drizzle felt fresh, earth smelt fresh, it was great - then back home for breakfast.
Obviously, it’s worth being practical: dressing appropriately and staying warm afterwards.
So this afternoon, when I should be looking at my next health and wellbeing assignment, I find myself thinking of the benefits, and I thought I'd drop them here - just in case you're wondering about next week's Tai Chi for health session.
As expected, it comes with a mix of mental, physical, and sensory benefits.
"Mentally, it’s grounding" - Rain creates a kind of natural white noise that can calm the mind. This steady sound pattern is similar to what’s studied in pink noise, which has been linked to relaxation and improved focus. Walking through it encourages you to slow down and be present, which supports mindfulness.
"It can boost your mood" - Even though rainy weather is sometimes associated with low mood, getting outside can actually counter that. Gentle exercise like walking helps release endorphins, while the sensory novelty of rain (sound, smell, touch) can lift your mental state.
"You reconnect with nature more deeply" - "Rain heightens your senses—the smell of wet earth (called petrichor), the way colours deepen, the feel of cool air. These subtle shifts can make even familiar places feel new.
"It encourages resilience and adaptability" - Choosing to walk or tai chi despite the rain gently challenges your comfort zone. Over time, this builds a mindset of flexibility—being okay with imperfect conditions instead of waiting for ideal ones.
So, who's joining Tai Chi for Health next Saturday, rain or shine, just come dressed appropriately :)