I was just soaking in the bath after a long and enjoyable day in Cambridge, networking and business planning, followed by an equally enjoyable exercise class. I set myself the task of deciding what I would blog about before I got out of the bath. I had some clever and complicated ideas before I realised that the answer was right under my nose: water.
If you know me, either in person or through my blogs, you are probably aware that I talk a lot about how most of us think too much and how we can benefit from thinking less. Thinking less reduces stress and helps us to be more present, as all thought takes us away from the here and now.
Those of us who are prone to thinking a lot tend to live far too much in our heads. Just a few years ago I really believed that my head was where I lived, and thought of my body as the vehicle that carried my head around. Needless to say, I was stressed and worn out. I have since learned how important it is for us to live in our whole bodies.
There is a lot to say about how we can learn to think less (Mind Calm Meditation is one of the very best ways I know – that’s why I teach it), learn to live more in our entire bodies and spend more time in the present moment. But tonight I want to give you a shortcut.
Water. Most of us are drawn to water, to the sea, rivers, lakes and ponds. We know how refreshing a shower can be or how a bath helps us relax and let go at the end of the day. One of several reasons for this attraction is that water brings us into the present. Think of how you feel when you step into the shower, with the tiny jets of water splashing you all over. You become very aware of your body, perhaps more aware than you have been for hours. You are right here, right now. It’s a similar experience getting into the bath, feeling the water gradually covering your whole body. And just remember the way a swim in the sea takes your breath away, especially in Britain!
The sensation of water on our skin and the experience of sensing our edges is immensely helpful as it calls us into ourselves and into the present moment. Notice this next time you have a bath or shower or go swimming. And we don’t even have to wait to get wet all over; once you are aware of the effect of water, just washing your hands, as most of us do several times a day, can be used to bring us into the here and now, and draw our awareness down into our bodies, away from focusing only in our heads.
If you find this helpful, please let me know. I do love simple, down to earth tips, and this is one of my favourites. I am so pleased to share it with you. Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy being present!
