NEVER FORGET THERE IS ONE ROOM in the house in which you can always be alone. If you’re feeling frazzled or simply need time to ponder and muse, take yourself and your thoughts for a long soak. Baths and meditation/relaxation go hand in bath-glove. And even the tiniest bathroom can become a soothing sanctuary.
Our bathrooms are often the forgotten places of our homes. We lavish care and attention on our kitchens, our living rooms and bedrooms but the poor old bathroom rarely gets a makeover. It’s not hard to see why. The bathroom was not even part of the Western home until the 19th century, and even when it did become part of the house, bathing was seen purely as a physical means for getting clean. It was certainly not considered an act of soul. There seems something decadent, almost indecent, about a luxurious, sensuous bathroom.
Other cultures, however, knew different. In all the great ancient cultures there has been a tradition of sensual and soulful bathing. The Egyptians adored it; so did the Romans who based their famous baths on Egyptian prototypes. Roman bathing was an elaborate – and public – affair with giant bathing halls dedicated to pleasure, health and hygiene. Statues of Hercules, the great hero and archetype of strength, and Hygeia, the Goddess of Health, often presided over the baths; so too did Apollo and Aesculapius, the God of Healing.
The Greeks also loved a dip, and a pleasant bath in perfumed water was considered a perfectly natural part of a good dinner party. In India, immersion in the sacred waters of the Ganges would never be considered mere bathing; it is a religious act of great piety. The Arabic hammam is a ritual of purification and tactile pleasure; a serene place of withdrawal, of spiritual and physical rejuvenation, while in Japan, bathing is elevated to the status of a cult. It has been said that while we in the West bathe to get clean, in Japan, they get clean in order to bathe. Bathing is considered to balance serenity with sensuality; a meditative experience that cleanses the mind as much as the body.
SENSUAL BATHING
There is a whole world of difference between bathing for cleanliness and bathing for bliss. If you want to get clean, have a shower. It’s quick, economical and highly efficient. If you want to allow your soul time to wander and to give your body a feeling of pampering and purification, wallow in a bath.
One of my greatest pleasures when I stay in a hotel is to have a good long soak: hopefully in a huge pristine bath surrounded by unguents and potions, cocooned in warmth, awaiting the pleasure of swathing myself in mountains of big fluffy towels and a cosy bath robe. Baths are also one of the great joys of staying at a spa or health farm. One of my most memorable baths ever was in a serene spa at a hotel in Malta. The bath sat in the middle of a beautiful pillared and frescoed room. There were little candles all around the room and an oil burner gave off the most delicious floral scents. The bath itself was brimming with water and was filled with petals and flowers. As I sank in I truly felt like Aphrodite herself lazing in her sybaritic pool. Soft, delicate music played in the background and I found myself drifting off, off and away.
OK, it might be difficult to fit the pillars into your bathroom (though you could try the frescoes!) but what’s to stop you replicating the rest of it? Most bathrooms have horrible bright central lights but you can easily turn off the lights and fight up the candles. Candlelight gives a gentle, soft glow which is relaxing – and also very flattering. Before you get into your bath put your oil burner to work with some soothing or sensual scents (see Chapter 16 for ideas). Soft music is easily arranged. So are fluffy towels, big bath robes and divine lotions and potions. Treat yourself. Or make your own.
Finally, make sure there is a firm lock on your door – if you have small children, fit one so high they can’t reach it (and inadvertently lock themselves in), because you need to be able to lock yourself away from everything and everyone if you’re really going to relax. Then simply climb in, lean back (a bath pillow is a great idea) and float …
HOME BATH POTIONS
You can pay an incredible amount of money for a bath oil or gel. And many of them are full of artificial colourings, scents and foaming agents. So it can be well worth while to try making your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mix together one teaspoon each of coarse sea salt and olive oil in the palm of your hand. Add two drops of essential oil (lavender for relaxing; pine for a stimulating effect; geranium for feel-good factor). Rub yourself all over using small circular movements, always working towards your heart. Rinse off with a shower and pat yourself dry.
Fresh Herby Bath
If you have a garden or window box with herbs try making this with fresh herbs (otherwise you can get away with dried ones – just use less). You’ll need a handful of herbs: choose lavender, woodruff, linden blossom or chamomile (or a mixture) for a soothing bath or lemon thyme, rosemary and peppermint for a wake-up call. Simply put all the herbs in a large square of muslin and tie tightly. Throw into the bath while the water is running. Sprinkle a few lavender or rosemary spikes to float around the water. Relax. Use your wash bag as a flannel to get those herbs really working on your skin – and your mind.
Aphrodite’s Favourite Bath
This is a divine bath, the recipe for which I have had so long I can’t remember where it originally came from. It takes a little time but is well worth the effort. Unfortunately, because of the flowers it uses, it’s really only a summer-time bath option, although you could get an approximation with essential oils. Take 2 tablespoons each of nasturtium leaves, rose petals, rosemary, rocket and honeysuckle. Plus one tablespoon each of bay leaves and dried ginseng root. Simmer them all in just over 2 litres (4 pints) of water in an enamel pan for 15 minutes. Strain and add the mixture to the bath water. Add in 4 drops of neroli (orange blossom) oil and sprinkle a few rose petals and honeysuckle flowers to float on the water. The scent is delicious – sweet but earthy and very voluptuous!
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