Showering always feels very good. When we are really
dirty from a hard day of working outdoors or are all hot and sweated from hot,
humid weather, torrents of cool water hitting soapy skin serve to cleanse and
refresh us. This experience is followed by the enjoyment of having the air hit
our clean bodies, making us feel fresh and rejuvenated for a relaxing evening.
Showering chases away depression and sleepiness, putting us in a positive frame
of mind for work or college classes.
Our time in the shower is also a time to think, reflect
and take stock of our lives. We can think of funny occurrences from our day or
make plans for our upcoming staycation. Often, it is a time for gestalting in
an artificial thunderstorm, as we analyze our identities and our innermost
desires, getting in touch with our true selves. This is truly necessary. It is
a cleansing of both mind and body - a positive type of brainwashing!
There is freedom in nudity itself, as we are born naked
and need to become one with our bodies, without the burden of clothing. It is
both liberating and playful. This may be the only time each day that we are
free from this obligation to cover our natural assets. Air and water refresh
the skin and make us feel alive. Two of the elements come together for our
benefit.
As part of the showering experience, we become more aware
of our bodies and comfortable in our own skin, viewing ourselves in full-length
mirrors and lathering up our trouble spots. If we notice a lot of extra weight
or unsightly flab, we can decide to go on a diet and increase our exercise
regimen. We need to love and appreciate our bodies in order to love and
appreciate ourselves, giving us confidence to take on the world, to win and be
happy.
Since our showers are based on our personal preferences,
the water temperature is always to our liking. We may have it piping hot to
turn our skin red or ice cold to cool us off during a diabolical heat wave.
However, working couples taking efficiency showers together may argue over the
water temperature before heading off to their respective jobs. The length of
our showers also vary, ranging from a 5-minute "quick shower" to a
45-minute love fest. This, however, may be decided by a person's interest in a
lower water bill!
The jets or torrents of water that soak our bodies are
fun for us, reminding us of running through a sprinkler as a kid, or frolicking
around a water park at any age. This may be our chance to dance, sing and let
out our inner man-child or woman-child. The singers may practice new songs in
the shower, or simply annoy the hell out of their roommates or family members.
Unfortunately, the shower may become a point of contention when a group of
people live together.
We may want to enhance the fun of the showering
experience by sipping a glass of wine or chugging a beer while having the
water, soap and shampoo cleanse our bodies. Candles and music may also create a
festive atmosphere to kick off the weekend or to unwind before heading off on a
beach trip with a group of friends. In my 20s, I would sometimes shower drunk
after a night of partying; those were fun days that I would love to go back to!
We all have our funny, interesting shower stories that we love to share.
When lovers shower together, they get to explore each
other's bodies, experiencing the beauty and feel of their wet bodies. For many
couples, it is reaching the next level in their sexual relationship, one step
above the commonality of the bedroom. The space of the shower can be the
playground where we have fun and excitement as adults.
Showering is a vital and intimate part of lives that
serve as a reflection of who we are and what we want in life. It is an activity
that could either be enjoyed alone or shared with others. We maintain our
personal hygiene while improving our mental processes and having fun playing
around in the water. It connects us to our true, inner selves and to the fun,
playful part of our nature, preparing us for another day of personal triumphs,
tragedies and bizarre experiences.
