“The sound of water is worth more than all the poets’ words.”

~ Octovio Paz

When one of my children was four years old, we were having an extraordinary amount of power struggles in our home. These meltdowns became so intense that we sought help from a child psychologist. He suggested several strategies to try, but one was particularly effective – hydrotherapy. He suggested giving the child a warm bath, having a water fight, doing the dishes together with our hands immersed in warm, soapy water, running through the sprinklers, going swimming – anything having to do with water. All of these things had a calming, soothing effect on my child.

Hydrotherapy works wonders when I’m feeling a bit out of sorts. A long shower can melt away my cares and concerns. I love sitting beside a waterfall or fountain just listening to the rushing water. There’s nothing quite like walking along a sandy beach as the ocean laps at my feet, (since I live in Utah, I don’t get this opportunity as often as I’d like to though). Drinking several glasses of cold water each day keeps my body well hydrated and helps it function better. I’ve found that I really enjoy doing the dishes by hand; it has a calming effect on my stressed nerves. At the end of a long day I like to treat myself to a hot bath. I play some soft music, light a few candles and just soak in the tub until my fingers all shrivel up like raisins.

Adding a little hydrotherapy to my schedule, calms my soul, facilitates introspection and helps me realize just how beautiful my life is.