It's unambiguous at this point. The rainy season is here. Actually, any real comment on the rain of the last couple of days will sound like an overstatement and feel like an understatement. It seems like there's an unspoken agreement that we have in Portland to just sum it up with a "Boy, howdy!", hoist our rain pants, and carry on.

There's value in that. In fact, a stoic regard for the rain jives nicely with happiness research which indicates that lowered expectations actually promotes happiness.

But my suspicion in this: We are kind of faking it. You know, to seem nice and well-adjusted. I suspect that part of us, by late-February/early-March is no longer hoisting up and carrying on. And so, with my years of experience coming to terms with the rainy season, I'm going to offer another set of complimentary perspectives to take for a spin.

1. Wet and dry is a continuum of experience. Let go of attachment to your concept of "dry" and "wet" as stable states. Reflect on permeability in the interpenetration of all things when your socks begin to feel moist. 

2. "The vase is already broken." Or, more aptly, "Your rain gear is already leaky." Those clever Buddhists have observed that, since everything comes and everything goes, we should appreciate the time that we have with things that are in a state of wholeness. Your shoe covers hold out water admirably now, but let's not be too surprised or dismayed when your socks begin to feel moist.

Then again, if actual, non-Buddhist dryness is your thing, come by the shop and we'd be happy to show you some of our favorite new rain gear.