Monthly Tips - January

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In every conceivable culture and tradition that I have studied and, I’m quite sure in the ones that I have not (yet, anyway) there is always some sort of ritual bath to take on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day that is intended to cleanse off the energetic and even spiritual debris left from the previous year so that anyone can then enter the next new one fearless, fresh and magically cleansed and cleared. In Feng Shui however, there is a particularly pleasing soak that is said to be ideal for when you are feeling tired, tested, battle weary, worn, jaded, drained, angry or bitter. Now, there’s a real tubful eh? But, seriously, when you think about it, any negativity that might have arisen in the year past or even any just plain old fatigue that might be lingering from the holiday hooplah could be draining your optimism and enthusiasm and making you feel like the proverbial wet blanket prompting a trip to the local florist for a spectacular bit of Chi and cheer. This particular Feng Shui Chi enhancing, energy activating and mood lifting bath uses seven different fresh cut florals with that lucky number 7 being associated with hope, miracles, creativity and joy; all qualities this bath promises to infuse back into your being. And, bonus, this bath, although particularly effective when taken on New Year’s Day, can actually be drawn at any time of the year to erase whatever ails you. Choose 7 stems of flowers that really appeal to you, being careful to remove any thorns or excess leaves before bathing. Fill the tub with water in a temperature that most appeals to you as well and add two cups of Epsom salts. Next float the 7 stems in the water for at least twenty minutes before you step in. Spend any seven minutes of this bath, rubbing your skin with each of the seven flowers as well as submerging your whole self periodically all the while focusing upon your goals, hopes, wishes and dreams for the year ahead. Once out of the tub dry off with a clean WHITE towel only and put on only clean fresh clothes. And, one last; it’s always been advised when cleansing and cleaning negative energies from the body so all the yuck can now go down the drain, it’s important to remember NOT to clean the actual tub basin right away but, rather, you should wait at least an hour while your own new, fresh and uplifted energies stabilize and start the New Year just bloomin’ beautiful both inside and out!