Photo From Wake Up World Blog - Ten Health Benefits Of Cold ShowersI believe a vast majority of humans existing on the planet today would agree with that after a stressful day not much can beat a long, languishing, soak in a warm tub or a hot shower. Close the door, light a few candles, put on some soft music, pour in a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy scents, add your favorite soap, and within a few minutes you can literally feel the anxiety of whatever ails you leave your body; an event that any healer from the days of old would be proud of. Yes, bathing has a history. If you literally "Google Search" the history of bathing, you will find this present day daily washing routine has ritualistic values dating back millions of years and through just about every conceivable culture the world has seen. History shows us that bathing was, and perhaps can still be an a fairly structured process depending on one's mindset and approach. Every culture and religion have bathing practices that extend from mindless daily washing for the sole purpose of removing dirt and grime from the body through to practices of deeply engrained Spiritual beliefs and effects that include cleansing one's body and soul from devils, demons, and evil spirits. Yes, throughout much of time, one bath can set you right as rain after a day of dealing with your "stuff". The blog post by Squidoo references some information about a Dr. Edward Bach. Dr. Bach was one of the first modern physicians to recognize the intimate relationship between physical health and emotional health. As you could probably imagine, he found that a good soak in a warm bath has proven benefits of lifting the spirits, reducing mental stress, and easing physical pain.
But does bathing have to be a means to an end? Why wait till the end of a hard day to pamper yourself and ease the stresses? I personally find myself looking forward to getting up on a workday morning, no matter what I know I face at the office, just for the simple fact that I cannot wait to get in the tub! I actually get excited to get up and smell the soap, feel the warm water, hear my music, and pamper myself. Even though I know I have to go to work and face the day and all it brings...it's OK. My morning treat that wakens me and puts me in the right frame of mind to face my day positively is my tub and all the awesomeness that's inside it. It used to be one would have to go to a professional spa to have luxury bathing items, specialty fixtures, and a meditative atmosphere at their fingertips. But in today's world of imagination, artisans, entrepreneurship, and do-it-your-selfers, there are soap makers, candle makers, local musicians, local artists, and all kinds of atmosphere enhancer-type folks and the like, creating good, affordable, and wholesome products all with a distinct purpose so that each one of us can begin and end our day with deep rejuvenating breaths, happiness, and peace, all the while hopefully being truly ourselves in the process. So tomorrow, don't just get up to the alarm clock, stagger into your shower groaning, reach for some supermarket brand mass produced bathing "whatever things", and start your ordinary day. Create your spa space however you want and start the day that's always all about you instead of what the day throws at you!
Chuck Gianakos
The Funky Chunks Soap Company
www.FUNKYCHUNKS.net /// Funky Chunks On Facebook /// Funky Chunks On Twitter
