Water Rituals that Cleanse Body, Mind & Soul

 Water Rituals that Cleanse Body, Mind & Soul



Water to cleanse your body and soul is a consistent theme throughout history. It is necessary for human survival, literally, and fought over politically in battles large and small. But in this moment, I want to talk about the lesser known, but important uses for water spiritually and physically. It is first mentioned in Genesis 1:1-10 when the world was covered in water and the later divided in forming the land from the seas.  Even the story of Noah's Ark is a essentially a cleanse. An opportunity to begin all over again.  So it is no wonder that during the Jewish New Year from Rosh Hashanah through Sukkot many people, religious or not, take advantage of a tradition called Tashlich.  In this tradition, we find a body of moving water, perhaps near a local park, and toss bread crumbs or leaves into the moving stream.  As we do this. we say blessings and share feelings of regret or things we could do better.  We say we are sorry to ourselves and others. Our family tradition includes inviting friends to participate.  It is a meditation, of sorts, which allows a person a chance to say out loud things they might keep to themselves.  This experience unburdens the spirit.  It can be done privately or within a circle of family or friends that is safe and loving.

 Mikvah  is another ritual that involves cleansing of the body and spirit.  This is a ritual created during biblical times which solved a cleanliness issue for menstruating women. Today participants can be male or female and are free to use mikvah as a spiritual renewal for any reason.  Brides often include mikvah before marriage and it is also used for those converting to Judaism. In Christianity, a baptism is similar to the idea of spiritual renewal and historically is derived from the use of mikvah in ancient days.  Family celebrations are often a part of the spiritual renewal ceremonies for both Jews and Christians.

Swimming is another water ritual that many people enjoy.  If organized religion is not of interest to you, but the feeling of quieting the mind, improving flexibility and muscle strength does, then this is your jam. What swimming offers is the isolation, mobility, weight force and freedom to only concentrate on one thing, getting from one side of the pool to the other. This is a sport that can be enjoyed and taken into advance age.  Working out in water offers a controlled resistance that is less strain on a person's joints than routines done on land. Noise and distractions are limited as the only senses in use are the eyes, and the touch of cool water.  When I swim I put in ear plugs so I cannot hear and I blow out air so I cannot taste. I wear swim goggles that do not work well above the water, but like a miracle, allow me to open my eyes under the water to see quite clearly.  I swim for thirty minutes at least one day per week which relaxes me physically and calms me spiritually.  When I ask people if they swim some tell me they are afraid of water or never learned.  I hope they try to learn as an adult. Many people with muscular or arthritis diseases have found comfort and relief in the pool.  Water aerobics is another way to increase strength and mobility for people who do not swim.  Many compare swimming to yoga as a sport that helps with strength, flexibility and calm.