Comments on: Bathtime Meditations

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 10 May 2009 16:24:38 +0000

I have a colleague that spent every evenings (or most anyway) in this way that you described. She made a special focus to teach her daughter that her body was beautiful. Years later, after her daughter turned down Harvard in favor of Stanford, she received a letter that said something to the effect, "remember all those times you told me I was beautiful and worthwhile? So many women I have met at college don't know that. They give themselves away for nothing. They do not know their own self worth. Thank you so much for teaching me my own value." My friend carried that letter with her for at least a year. I have seen it many times. It's been read and folded so many times it's already brittle. Hopefully your message here will empower so many youngsters! Jane’s last blog post..School's Out for Summer! ( My Track Anyway!)

By: Cori

Cori — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:46:47 +0000

What a beautiful post. All three ideas are such a wonderful, non-fussy way to connect and be spiritual with your kids. I also appreciate the distinction between bathing your child “mindfully” vs. just watching them in the tub. I often find that it is easier for me to truly relax after my little one is in bed if I spent some “mindful” time with him while going through the nighttime routine. If I just went through the motions with him, sometimes there is a lingering feeling of something missing.

Love this post, and my 26 month old will get some lovin’ in the bath tonight!

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:12:53 +0000

@Tsh, hee. my bathroom could definitely use some straightening! No reason why shouldn’t be able to do both.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:12:12 +0000

@Nicole, wow. I had not even thought about the symbolism of it all. Stunning insight.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:11:34 +0000

@kirwin, oh, this is so wonderful! I used to do infant massage with my babies when they were little as part of our bedtime routine, but I guess I stopped at some point. I know the circumstances of re-instituting massage for your kids aren’t all that fun, but this is another great way to make the evening ritual more intentional. Fantastic idea, kirwin! Thanks for sharing!

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:09:40 +0000

@Sandra @ {mum space}, tickly, trickling water and kisses – what a beautiful way to connect! It’s easy to get distracted by the chores of the day, but it really only takes a minute or two to connect.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:49:45 +0000

@Erin @ Closing Time, @courtney, @heather – This is something that only takes a few minutes, but can be so meaningful. And like I said in the post, I don’t do it every night (maybe I should?) but there are some evenings where it just feels like a good night to be more focused.

By: Tsh

Tsh — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:27:02 +0000

Great ideas, Megan! I usually take the time to straighten up the bathroom, but you’ve reminded me of the importance of this connection ritual. Thanks for reminding me.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:20:14 +0000

Great post. We usually do this sort of reflection after bath time, but I love the idea of incorporating it into touching and cleaning. It seems like the tangible feel of the clean water and cleaning is almost symbolic of looking at both the dirt and the beauty of the day and wiping the slate clean for the next day. I should think this way in my own shower/bath time, actually. Thanks so much for the post! Nicole’s last blog post..UTurn-How is Your Mom Like Jesus?

By: kirwin

kirwin — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:20:43 +0000

For the last 13 days, we have been doing a “Soak and Seal” routine with the kids…My son (5) has mild eczema (itchy dry skin) and my daughter (3) has a different dry skin condition. The doctor recommended a 15 minute bath each night, promptly followed by patting them dry, and then covering their entire bodies with Eucerin.

Although my initial reaction was “Agh — this is going to take so long every night!!”, I was still committed to doing it to help my kids’ skin heal. After 2 or 3 days of doing it, I began to enjoy the process — the process of massaging my dear children’s bodies with lotion. What an amazing way to show how much I love them.

My son (5) has always responded well to massage, so he totally digs the one-on-one attention. My daughter (3) is so ticklish, it’s hilarious for anyone around! The poor girl can’t control her hearty laughter as I rub her chunky thighs and torso.

These are memories I will cherish forever.

kirwin’s last blog post..Focusing on Body & Wellness