Real Life Tao - As the Wind Blows

Trey Smith

As I was laying in bed last night reading, the house began to shudder. I glanced up at my window overlooking the back of the house and could see the trees being buffeted about by a sharp wind. It would blow forcefully and then die down; only to repeat the process again and again.

Every location on this planet is impacted by the weather. It shapes the culture and plays a critical role in aspects such as economic development. The weather around these parts offers a good object lesson in the concept of yin and yang.

In a manner of speaking, South Bend enjoys approximately 4 yin months before we must endure 8 yang months. From June - September, the winds die down and the sun makes a more regular appearance...well...when it can fight it's way through the June and July fog!

From October - May, skies are predominantly gray, copious amounts of water cascade down from the sky and gales are weekly occurrences. The fiercest winds blow into the area during November - February.

So, on the one hand, we have these two distinct weather patterns: one passive and one active. And yet, within these two predominant forces, we find the other force as well.

In the summer, both the sun and breeze actively burn through the fog each morning to bring us cloudless days. In autumn and winter, after the latest storm blows through, we receive a brief respite of tranquility before the next storm arrives.

It is this eternal dance of complimentary forces that makes the weather in South Bend a thing to behold.

This post is part of a series. For an introduction, go here.