Letting yourself just be in a hot springs should be easy. For some it is, yet for many there seems to be something in the waters that they are afraid of or are fighting. You can see the whole experience unfolding. The approach is the water is completed by a quick rush. The attitude is initially peaceful however things quickly move towards serious fidgeting. After a period of time measured in seconds and minutes they are impatiently looking for an exit, and then they are gone.
If you take care and approach the experience slowly, step by step, honoring the tradition and potential experience and healing that may come through the process, a visit to a hot-spring can be inspiring, healing, and ultimately life nurturing. The type of hot spring can cause you to vary the routine at the edges; however the core steps remain the same. There is a time of preparation that begins long before you go through the door into the spring and baths. Included in this are two critical steps; learning about the spring and understanding the rituals associated with this spring or culture. In most springs there is a time of cleansing before you actually enter. The initial time in the spring is always a process of acclimatization. Finally the heart of the experience begins; time, patience, and letting the journey unfold are key.
Wisdom notes a similar process in two other areas. “If you care for your orchard, you’ll enjoy its fruit; if you honor your boss, you’ll be honored.” (Proverbs 27.18)
Hot springs can bring a new outlook on life through a mysterious process that yields wonderful mental, physical, and emotional regeneration. Tending an orchid combined with nature’s power can bring a nurturing and satisfying experience as you first observe and then consume the fruit. Relationships with others, even your boss carry the same opportunity. Life is full of opportunities for recreation and restoration. They come in all shapes and sizes.
In the past two days I feel like I have been healed. This can happen in relationships.
