RELAXATION 101

Bubbles, bubbles in a bath. Aroma therapy candles in a dark bathroom. A book in hand, unread, as stress is eased away in the hot water. Eyes are closed, mind is open. Imagined dialog from a long day. Relief in the sounds of near silence or water dripping back into the tub. Silky decadence in scented soap scrubbing away the filth of the world; feels like baptism taken to a higher level. Separated even from the rest of my apartment. The door is closed. No external sounds. No lights, harsh, electric. Only soft candles soothing to sun scorched eyes. NO phone. Only water sounds. Ripples as I stretch to relax or wash. Calm, slow. Long enough to feel blood pressure drop as the water cools. Bubbles are luxurious texture added to smooth water. They're disappearing, evaporating with the worries of the day. Wake up! Sit straight up, look around. Try to grasp the difference between where I was and where I am. Shiver as my body (wet) is exposed to the air. Need to get out of the tub. Give hands and feet special pampering. How can water make us look wrinkled and dehydrated? Lotion rubbed on all of the body, kneading the muscles in a deeper level. Then powder to all creases to remove excess moisture and remind me of childhood baths just before bedtime.