Spiritual Practice in My Daily Life

Taking a bath is a spiritual experience.

As odd as that sentence sounds, taking a bath is my devotional act. It is my demarcation of where my home life begins and my work life ends. The cleansing water that surrounds me also washes off my day. It removes the physical impurities on me, but also the energetic stickiness of draining interactions are washed away down the drain. I will admit, some baths are more sacred. Some are filled with nourishing and sacred oils, rose petals, moon or rose water. But all surround me with the feeling of grounding and abundance of new possibilities.

Outside of bathing to remove the day before beginning the night, I also do an oil Ayurvedic veiling ritual recommended and passed along to me by my teacher. I take a scented oil -- because I prefer it, and the essential oils’ smell helps release stress via aroma therapy -- and adorn myself. Starting at the tips of my toes and all the way up my body until the crown of my head, I apply the oil while picturing inner harmony and a thin veil of protection.And I do mean I apply the oil everywhere; on my breasts, thighs, back, arms, and all the nooks and crannies in between. The oil symbolizes to me as a physical barrier and armor that allows for me to release and relax the inner armor. Not everything can pass through this veil to reach me, neither poor intentions, negativity or stress passes through only the deep love and empathy that I desire can transmit to my beings.