squeaky clean

Kelly 01/03
SO! Lets start this out with something on the verge of a tmi. Getting clean is really therapeutic. Baths, showers, soaking in a rapid stream, whatever. There is really something wonderful about washing in particular. Yes, cleanliness is a virtue and all that, and it is nice to put clean sheets on the bed or wear fresh clothes, but to me there is something special about the act cleaning one's self with water. It just makes you feel better. Even when you just wash your hands from doing something, it's like you are.... well cleansed. There has to be something deeper to the act of washing though, and I am obviously not the only one to think so. I mean look at all the religions that involve ritual cleansing with water. You are baptized by water and there is holy water in christianity. But then that brings up a question for me. Is it really just the water that is holy, or the actual act of cleansing?

Julia 01/04

An excellent topic for considering in the shower, I must say. Did you know that the switch from wool to linen clothing led to decrease in bathing? Other fun facts here!

Regarding religion, I would imagine that the act of cleansing is more holy than the water itself. I know the Catholic church makes a big deal about water being blessed, but if you think about it, it's act of baptism (the dunking or sprinkling or whatever, depending on your denomination) that "saves" you. If it was just the water, the simple act of touching it would be sufficient, but a priest or pastor (or Jesus!) has to do it for you. The water is primarily a means to an end.

Although, it's true water is inherently precious. We use it at a rapid rate and within the next century, its scarcity will make it more precious than gold or oil. There is a plant out in San Francisco that can completely recycle used water (from industry, sewers, etc), but they're having some trouble getting people to accept it.

It's funny, the founders of the monotheistic religions knew water was important because of the climate they lived in. And we've held to that significance, even though we don't value water very highly as a society.

But everyone loves a hot shower!

Kelly 01/05
Hmm I think you are right about the act of cleansing being more sacred than the water it's self. However, I feel like we should value water more. Actually, that is an interesting conundrum. Why do we pay for bottled water, sparking water, artisan water and everything if we don't value it as resource? It has become a status symbol, but not in and of its self. It's like what HOLDS the water (aka pools, bottles, spa mister's etc) is more important than the water its self. And that is strange to me! But then again, I guess we could find a lot of examples where the packaging is perceived to be more important than the actual contents. It reminds me of wanting to date someone simply because they are hot, not because you actually know who there are.

BUT BACK TO WASHING! :D Beyond the spiritual aspects, there is something really delightfully physical about it. Ok wait a minute before that gets dirty in your head. What I mean is that as you wash, whatever your ritual is, your brain settles down just enough for your consciousness to be engaged but for your subconscious to work as well. It's like washing some how hits the sweet mental spot between really thinking about something and just letting it mull about in your subconscious. I think that is why you have the stereotype of coming up with things in the shower. And I don't know about you but I come up with ideas showering all the time. Plus it always feels like a good time to go over the events of the day and think about tomorrow.

But then again, I shower at night. Showering makes me sleepy and I use it as the last act of the day plus something to calm me down. Do you think it makes a difference when you take the shower? The time could change the significance.

Julia 01/09

Absolutely we should value water more. Not only is it necessary for our continued survival, but think of how many industrial processes there are for which we use water? What you say about branding is interesting, too, especially because bottled water is evil. But some people would still rather pay for Evian than a water filter for their tap and a reusable stainless steel/aluminum water bottle.

But yes, washing. If you think about it, for a lot of people that's one of the few times in each day when they can attend to only themselves. Washing is about you getting clean. And the anatomy of washing -- steam opens your pores for example -- has also got to be petty fascinating.

I do a lot of thinking in the shower, too. I think it's for the same reason I do a lot of thinking when I'm walking. I'm engaged in a solely mechanical act (hands off the dirty jokes there, too!), so my brain can go on a completely different route if it need be. That's why busy/stressed out people can't remember if they've washed their hair (when they most likely have). Their body goes on autopilot even though their brain is miles away.

I alternate when I shower based on what my schedule is like. E.g. It's easier to shower at night during the work week. I find that if you're trying to wake up, a shower can be helpful (I used this method in school when I quit caffeine). Or it's a nice way to end your day because you're nice and relaxed for bed.

The eco-nazi in me has to mention, of course, that quick showers (5-10 minutes tops) are best. In the summer, I particularly recommend the navy shower. You do a quick rinse, turn off the water, lather up, and rinse again. In total, you only end up using about 2 minutes' worth of water instead of 5. This is actually quite pleasant if you've been exercising and sweating a lot -- you feel really clean afterwards.