Ponderings from a Japanese Onsen

I have been enjoying the bathing ritual for the last 6 evenings.. with up to 13 different onsens to choose from in the village of Nozawaonsen.

Super hot, geothermal waters, rich in sulphur and magnesium ~ that continually flow from the earth, underground thru pipes into the pools.. watery medicine particularly beneficial for the muscular, circulatory, nervous system and the mind.. as it induces such a humbling experience ~

Women bathing

alone ~ together

in deep relaxation, peace, humility, safety, contentment, in total body acceptance, inclusiveness, freed from judgment, comparison, self criticism.. This beautiful communal custom has been in Japanese culture forever ~

I wonder how humbled our own culture could be if we had this daily sacred ritual ~ an experience where all is dissolved into the waters and steam.. even our stories, culture, age, shape, size - simply being woman.. soaping, scrubbing, soaking, smiling in the thermal pools,

beautifully, perfectly free in our skin,

as we are.. ✨🪷✨