Last week, after arriving at a friend’s home, I treated myself to a bath.  It was inspired by a super clean bathtub which is a rare encounter for me.  It was heavenly!

When Napoleon wrote to his wife, Josephine, “Coming home, don’t bathe”, what was he thinking?   In today’s clean-a-holic culture we would say; “scrub that little body up honey, human smells are not embraced OR appreciated”.  A quick shower however has taken the place of the languishing bath for most of us—but not Jean.  She has made a pact with Latis, the Greek goddess of water (and also beer I might add), to return to the serenity and renewal of a bath at least daily, sometimes more, (I’m visualizing prune here).

Jean says it is where she clears her head—where she sorts things out—a source of true serenity and clarity.  When I think of the simplest things that we can do to take care of ourselves as women, a simple bath is a true and attainable gift.  Bathing can sooth all of our senses, (and God knows, soothing is good). 

The Romans actually elevated bathing to high art.  After a work out and a great oil message, (I’m already drooling), they invited their friends over to bathe with them and chat it up a little.  We, at AgingButDangerous, are talking about a singular experience of calm—no Romans invited, (however, an occasional significant other could be interesting).  

Turn the lights down in your bathroom, light a few candles, fill the tub with hot water and a little essential oil  (lavender is awesome), turn on some mellow music and soak your wonderful body right into oblivion, or at least true relaxation.  Wine (or any of a variety of suitable liquors), is optional. Aquatic imbibing works well for the pre nighty-night soak, (so I’ve heard).  If not alcohol, how about tea, or chocolate candy?

Books on bathing would make a great gift for friends trying to survive a myriad of stressful situations.  “The Book Of The Bath”, by Francoise De Bonneville, “The Bath”, by Diane Von Furstenberg, and “The Art Of The Bath”, by Sara Slavin, all hold water, (so to speak).  (What a wonderful gift for someone who is grieving.)

So as love becomes the focus of this month, (you know the cupid thing again), draw that bath as a gift for YOU.  The indulgence of a bath will serve you well whether you are in self love (that is my new jargon for the fact that I, like many others, am very single) or romantic love—just remember the prune rule and get out before you really get scary.