RAIN is a technique I learned from the book “10% happier” by Dan Harris.
This acronym stands for:
- R: recognize
- A: allow
- I: investigate
- N: non-identification
It's a method to apply mindfulness in acute situations (which he learned from Tara Brach).
“Recognize” is finding out what's going on in your mind or body by listening. Acknowledge that the thought or feeling is here.
To “allow” it, you accept the thought or feeling is present and let it be. “Let go”, as the Buddhists say.
Now, “investigate” how it affects your body. Does your pulse race, or do you feel heat somewhere in your body? If something is really acute and present, it affects your body.
For the last step, “non-identification”, recognize that you are not this thought. You are not that feeling. It is a passing state of mind and not part of you as a person.
I like how practical this technique is and hope you can put it to use.
“Learn how to be happy ‘before anything happens.’” — 10% Happier
Reading Recommendations
Changing Your Life Won’t Change Your Life
“Human beings are infatuated with "habit change," but changing ones habits doesn't change ones life, because lasting change doesn't work like that...”
“The key to being a good listener may sometimes feel challenging, but is actually quite simple: be genuinely interested in the other person. And, if possible, don’t be judgemental.”
Shifting the Burden - Whose Monkey Is It?
"Repeatedly curing a system that can cure itself will eventually create a system that can't." —Marvin's Second Great Secret, Jerry Weinberg
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
Do the RAIN exercise from above. Try to find three opportunities over the next three days to apply it. I found this exercise really valuable in acute situations, and doing it a few times helps you remember it in the future.
End Note
If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with someone you know. Just forward them this email.
Have a great week
Simon
PS: What do you think about this? Please hit reply and let me know. I'm curious!