Why a Rainbow in the Parking Lot Made Me Cry

I just returned from Colorado and I thought I would share a story from the last day I was there.

It had been stormy on and off for a few days before I left. The way the sky is in Crested Butte, wherever it is raining there are clouds but the sun is also right there. So, every time it rained, I would rainbow hunt because the conditions always seemed perfect. And I love a good rainbow.

The day before we left, I drove into town with my mom to pick something up for my sister and we hit a torrential downpour on the way in. We passed through it quickly and when we got to the store I decided to just stay in the car and look at the clouds. I got out to stand for a minute and BOOM. Right in front of me was the fattest most vibrant rainbow I had ever seen. Apparently it had just appeared out of nowhere because everyone in the parking lot just stopped.

I looked around the parking lot and as I looked back at the rainbow I started to cry.

Maybe it was because it was just so beautiful.

Maybe it was because I felt for a moment a very tangible connection to this random group of people scattered around the parking lot silently witnessing its beauty.

Maybe it was because I knew it was a fleeting moment. I saw the edges of the rainbow begin to fade. I knew this beautiful moment would pass and I felt so lucky that I had stopped to appreciate it.

Maybe because it was a reminder that all things will pass, and how important it is to try to stay present with what is, so you don't miss it.

I walked out of a very challenging relationship 3 years ago. I had been married for 25 years and it was an unhealthy relationship. I knew it was not sustainable. I don't regret the decision, however, there were plenty of beautiful moments.

Had I appreciated them all when they were happening?

Maybe. Maybe not.

The thing is, time is constantly rolling. I think sometimes we are just walking on that ball as it moves, not always paying attention, maybe even assuming that things will always be the way they are.

When I looked at that rainbow, it was such a clear message to remember that every moment is so precious. Even the hard ones, because they will pass too. And sometimes, the hard ones hold real gifts if we are present with them.

Being present requires a certain amount of practice.

If you are interested in joining a group practice to bring greater awareness into each moment and set a tone of being present for your intentions in the new year, consider joining us for Sacred Sound in January. I would love to share all of the benefits I have found in committing to a 40 day practice through Sanskrit chanting. Click HERE for more info.

If you feel stuck and would like help working out daily practices that address your specific needs and personality type, along with one on one support and accountability contact me about a Present Moment Mentorship. This might sound funny, but for me, learning how to bring my awareness fully into each moment required more than meditation and it definitely required accountability. I'm happy to chat if you think this might be helpful for you. Click HERE for more info.

Looking forward to being present with you soon!

In light,

Sri