THE BATHING RITUAL... BEFORE
With the children safely tucked up in bed and Alex reading in the sitting room, she can finally begin her ritual...
It is the most sacred moment of her day, a time when she can blissfully meditate, her bathroom her temple, her well-being her religion...
She lights five scented candles (never less!), switches the light off and gently turns the tap. As the water is running, she gracefully undresses in the flickering light, before turning to the mirror to remove her makeup. She gazes at her reflection, pleased with what she sees in the soft light. If only every minute could be spent in the glow of a candle!
She excitedly adds a few drops of fragrant bath foam to the water, knowing that very soon her entire body will be enveloped by the creamy bubbles.
She puts her hair up in a loose bun, checks the temperature of the water, and then, eyes closed, slowly lowers herself into its welcoming embrace..
THE BATHING RITUAL... DURING
Her eyes still shut, she succumbs to the gentle warmth... the foam she is using this evening has created a deeply relaxing bath that will leave her skin feeling as soft as satin. She lies back, savouring every blissful moment...
The mirrors slowly mist up as the steam smoothly and silkily enshrouds the whole room.
She casts her mind back to her long day, proud of what she has achieved, before looking ahead to tomorrow, smiling... And then, as if a message has come from the heavens, she knows that tomorrow will be wonderful! She opens her eyes, feeling both relaxed and reinvigorated, and once again becomes aware of her surroundings. She smoothly slides the soap over her skin, knowing that the warmth and the softness will leave her feeling even more nourished...
THE BATHING RITUAL... AFTER
She steps out of the water, wraps her soft bathrobe around her with a shiver of delight, and tucks away a stray lock of hair. Sitting on the rim of the bath, she watches the water slowly drain away. Now feeling a little light-headed, her legs like cotton wool and her heart beating fast at the change in temperature, she gradually returns to the real world.
Then she wipes away a corner of the mirror, flashes herself a smile and playfully pulls a face, puts a touch of night cream on her face, a drop of lotion on her legs... and now she is ready for bed. She inhales the misty, fragrant air one last time, gently blows out the five candles, and then leaves the bathroom.
She would not exchange her ritual for anything in the world - she knows that it helps her face up to life's everyday challenges, and enjoy all of its precious moments...