For many of us, taking a bath is inherently relaxing. As we slide into the perfectly warm/hot water--enhanced with our favorite essential oil, bath salts, or Dr. Singha's therapeutic mustard bath--the stress and worries of the day just begin to melt right away. Perhaps we'll light a candle, or listen to some soothing music, or read an inspiring book, as we soak.
Another great option is to use a mindfulness meditation practice to deepen the pleasure and healing qualities of the bath. Here's one that's easy to learn, and a wonderful tool to help you release tensions in your body and mind--and enjoy the experience even more fully.
Tuning Into Physical & Emotional Sensations
Once you've settled into your deliciously warm bath, take a couple of deep, slow breaths, and then gently close your eyes. Notice how the breath feels, as it flows into and out of your body: each inhale followed by an exhale; and each exhale followed by an inhale. Use the sensations of the breathing process as a way of tuning into physical sensations more generally: how your body is feeling, here and now, from the inside.
Use your attention to slowly scan your body, internally, from the top of your head all the way to the bottom of your feet, and then back up to the top of your head: several times, in you'd like. Notice the sensations in each area of your body, with a spacious, kind, non-judgmental attitude.
The next step of this mindfulness practice is to apply the labels "Feel Out" and "Feel In" to the various body sensations that you are noticing. Here's how:
If the sensation is a purely physical one, then say (either out loud or silently to yourself) the phrase "Feel Out."
If the sensation has an emotional component to it, then say (either out loud or silently to yourself) the phrase "Feel In."
Speak or think one of these two labels--"Feel Out" or "Feel In"--every five seconds or so, in a friendly, calm, matter-of-fact tone of voice. So for instance:
If you feel the bathwater rippling across your chest, or a sense of warmth in your feet, or a tension in a neck muscle, you would say, "Feel Out."
If you feel a sense of anxiety in the pit of your stomach, or a constricted vibe of anger in your jaw, or a sense of joyfulness in your chest, you would say, "Feel In."
You can also simplify the practice even more, and just apply the label "Feel" to both physical and emotional sensations. Continue applying the labels, at a rate of one every five seconds or so, for five or ten minutes (or longer if you'd like). This will heighten your awareness of your body, help you to release unnecessary tensions, and support you in more fully enjoying your bath.
Questions or comments? Please feel free to contact us. We'd love to support you in finding a luxury tub that's the perfect fit for your current home environment.