Shower Your Spirit

I love the power of water. It’s cleansing for the body and soul. Just as the power of a heavy spring rain washes the earth, water can cleanse, stimulate and invigorate your whole being, adding new life to your day. Use your morning shower to awaken you from the dormancy of sleep into the rhythms of the day.nn3 ways to make your mundane morning shower an eye opening renewal ritual every day.nn1. Practice mindfulness with an intention for each shower. Is your intention to be invigorated? Soothed? Healed? You may need peace of mind. You may need freedom: from pain, from sorrow, guilt, possessions, relationships, or responsibility. Allow the power of the water to wash away whatever you need to release, and imagine it flowing down the drain.nn2. Experiment with different scents to fuel your mood. On days that you feel lazy, tired or depressed, use an invigorating citrus flavor like lemon or orange. On mornings you wake up anxious, fearful, or nervous, you may want to choose the calming aromas of lavender, chamomile, or clarity of sage. Try a sensual scent such as jasmine or patchouli to feel amorous. Aromatherapy is not a passing fad: herbal and floral essences are shown to have an immediate effect on the brain and nervous system.nn3. Change the temperature to meet your needs. A tepid or cooler shower can wake you up and invigorate you. A very hot shower can bring comfort and ease into your day. Make sure you vary your shower temperature. You may want to start with a warm soothing shower, then end with a few seconds of brisk cool water to awaken and invigorate you.