I was having a shower, and for the first time after a very long time, I started to feel what washing feels like again.
Shower has become such a routine that you don’t think about it anymore. You strip, you go in, you turn on the tap and you let the water run. You wash your hair, you wash your body, you turn off the tap, you dry yourself. All with military precision without the military whistle.
After reading Leo Babauta’s The Power of Less, one of the instructions is to be present. To pay more attention to what you’re doing now. If you’re walking, focus on walking. If you’re eating, focus on eating. A bit like the Zen sayings “If you’re hungry, eat. If you’re tired, sleep”.
My shampoo routine was still a bit off (my mind wandered to some faraway land), but my soap routine was definitely more pronounced. I always can’t remember after a shower if i’ve washed my hair or if I’ve washed my body. I only remember I went into the stream of water. Even though the routine only has 2 activities, if my mind wasn’t there, I don’t remember.
This time, I’m actually using the soap, and feeling how the soap is getting into the nooks and crannies of my body. It’s a strange feeling, but a potent one. It reminds us that we’re capable of enjoying the present. We’ve just forgotten how to. Do you remember really washing yourself lately?
If you think this is worth sharing, do share it with your friends. Thank you for reading.
Related posts:
3 Comments
What a very good post. Thanks.
Good post. Being present can lead to a state of ecstasy, even if all you do is close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you without dwelling on them, or their origins. Tai chi helps us do this because you have to be hyper-aware of your body to do tai chi well. Maybe I’ll pay attention next time I take a shower, rather than planning my day.
I don’t know about a state of ecstasy, but certainly a state of I’m paying attention to what I’m doing and where I’m doing it.