The Bath: Secret Haven of Self-Absorption

June 14, 2005

If I were a psychiatrist, I think I would like to inspect my patients' bathrooms before investigating any other area of their lives. ~ Mark Hampton

This morning I was mulling over the potential pleasures the bathroom can bring while I was waiting to get in there. We have only one bathroom in our home, and my husband and daughter, who must both leave the house early, have priority in the morning. However, according to a recent national poll conducted by a large manufacturer of bathroom products, we have not fully exploited the room's potential. The survey revealed that for many people, the bathroom is the preferred place for telephone conversations, eating, sleeping, smoking, lovemaking, homework, and dancing!

Not in my bathroom. My bathroom is the size of the Oxford Latin Dictionary when it's closed. This is a hefty sized book to be sure, but its dimensions leave much to be desired for the most popular room in the house.

The interior decorator Mark Hampton admits that of all the remodeling and redecorating projects that one undertakes in one's life, the prospect of redoing the bathroom is most 'numbing'. I agree, but not for the reasons he gives, which have to do with considering the input of so many people - architects, decorators, contractors, tilesmen, electricians, and plumbers. The exorbitant cost of hiring all of these people to perform their magic for my bathroom, and the fact that there's not one square inch of space surrounding the three fundamental fixtures already in there are what numb me.

Still, the importance of the bathroom is irrefutable. As Mark Hampton rightly points out, bathrooms "provide a place for private pampering, for a sybaritic mood that might otherwise be frowned on. Hidden from the scrutiny of others, these rooms are secret havens of self-absorption."

Hold that thought. Secret Havens of Self-Absorption. Attitude adjustment in progress. Just because the bathroom is small and the budget even smaller doesn't mean it can't be transformed into a secret haven of self-absorption. I can do that. So can you.

Here's how:

One of my favorite fantasies is to go someday to a luxury spa for a week. Like the armchair traveler, I am collecting spa information and tucking it into my discovery journal. This way, when Real Life presents me with the opportunity, I can be out the door and know where I'm headed. In the meantime, I've created a Simple Abundance spa - seven nights of home-grown indulgence. I think of it as happy hour for the psyche. You might find it fun as well. Every night for a week, experiment with a new kind of bath product: aromatherapy, bath salts, gels, foam, milk, bubble baths, and Vita baths. See which you really prefer. Many bath products come in small sizes, so you can experiment inexpensively. Around the holidays, they're often available as gift freebies. Keep them in your comfort drawer until you need a spa week.

After a leisurely soak in a room illuminated only by scented candles, while listening to fabulous music and sipping a glass of wine or sparkling fruited mineral water (ice-cold blackberry or peach is divine), treat yourself to one beauty treatment per night. How about a mud-pack facial; hot-oil hair conditioning treatment; manicure and pedicure; exfoliation and waxing; cellulite body massage; seaweed body smoother. The final night, play with make up and hair styling.

Spa toys for your wish list can include a handheld shower attachment with different speeds; natural sponges and scrub mitts; an oversized terrycloth robe with hood; oversized bath towels; a magnifying mirror so that you can really see what you're doing; and if you don't already have one, a bath tray to hold everything. An inflatable pillow is lovely to rest you head upon and with a long-necked scrub brush you can scratch your own back. The self-sufficient spa is best.

Today, don't look at the shortcomings of your bathroom. If it's got hot and cold running water, a handle that flushes, and a tub to lie down in, all you have is all you need. Once you experiment with one homegrown spa week, you'll want to make it a seasonal ritual. Seven days of self-nurturing is heady stuff, believe me, you can get used to it.

~ Sarah Ban BreathnackSimple Abundance

Note from Cindi

There is a wonderful book called "Water Magic" by Mary Muryn, that describes dozens of different kinds of bath experiences, including ones that use crystals.

And if you prefer showers, there all kinds of different products to make that a spa experience such as salt and sugar scrubs and dry brushing.

Showers are great places to practice meditation and reiki, and washing your hair and rinsing with herbal concoctions, especially rosemary.

In addition to candles, I would add fresh or silk flowers and a water burner for essential oils.

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."-- Mahatma Gandhi