Ritual Bathing

Guest post by Rosalie Whatley

Water has always been my sanctuary. When I feel tired and crunchy, stressed, confused, achy or overloaded I find solace, healing, inspiration, and renewal in her sweet embrace. After a long day of work when my brain feels “full,” or the things in life feel too much for one person to hold, I turn to the cleansing powers of water.

Ritual bathing began as an act of self devotion: surrendering into the fluidity of water’s grace, soothing my nervous system, and returning to center. I define ritual bathing as any act of bathing done with intention! This could be in the bath, or even in the shower if you don’t have a bathtub. I have had so many glorious ideas, epiphanies, songs, and inspirations come through when I am in the liminal and restful state of ritual bathing and I hope you do too!

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Instructions:

This practice can be as simple or elaborate as you like.

• The first step is to set the mood. You can bring candles, music, and beautiful scents into your bathing or showering space.
• If you have a bathtub, you may choose to add flowers, essential oils, bath salts or other delicious libations to your bath.
• For a ritual shower, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the shower spray, creating a steam.
• And, you can always stay simple, with just you, the water, and your presence.
• Immerse yourself in the sensory experience of being in water with intention. Feel the sensations on your skin and let yourself be softened and soothed by their touch.
• Take long, slow, deep breaths. Stay and bask as long as you like!