My Friday afternoon ritual is visiting my local onsen. Something I have never been frugal with is self-care. I believe it has to be a priority, and cannot be negotiated. The only thing that trumps my weekly onsen visit is a vacation! Onsen or public baths are deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Someone explained it to me in simplest terms: first you cleanse your body and then you cleanse your mind. Basically you are issued two towels and a locker. You undress-yes this is NO CLOTHES experience-lock up your belongings and take one of the towels into the bathing area. In the bathing area you bathe hair washing is optional (see poster). After cleaning your body you go into the different hot mineral baths and relax. There are several rules you must follow, as you move through the different indoor and outdoor baths. most will have a cold bath and a sauna. First you must take a shower in the common ar...
The journey of a single parent who finds herself at a crossroad, finding her "ikigai" after her youngest leaves for college. Maintaining a balance between work, hobbies, reading, travel and living in the moment.