If it has been a real warm day, I shower every evening. Then

"If it has been a real warm day, I shower every evening. Then, each morning I also shower." These words from Vera-Ellen speak to a timeless practice: the act of renewal and cleansing. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and chaotic, the simple act of showering becomes more than just a ritual of cleanliness. It becomes a way to wash away the day's troubles, to step into the newness of the morning with a sense of purpose and clarity. Vera-Ellen’s words remind us that care for the body, in its most fundamental form, is a sacred practice—one that prepares us for the challenges of the day ahead, as well as for the peace that comes at the close of the day.

In the ancient world, the concept of cleansing went far beyond the physical. The Greeks and Romans viewed bathing not just as a necessity, but as a form of ritual. The baths in Rome, such as the famous Caracalla Baths, were grand public spaces where people gathered not only to cleanse themselves, but to engage in social interaction, to reflect, and to rejuvenate their minds. The water, in this context, was seen as purifying, washing away not just dirt, but also the tensions and burdens of daily life. To shower or bathe was not merely to clean the body, but to refresh the soul, to create space for new thoughts, new energy, and new actions. Just as Vera-Ellen incorporates a cleansing ritual into her day, the ancients understood that a simple act like bathing could be an act of spiritual renewal.

The philosopher Socrates often spoke of the importance of purification, not just of the body, but of the mind. He believed that self-care was essential to the development of virtue and wisdom. In his dialogues, he likened the body to a vessel that required proper care to carry the soul, a vessel that needed to be refreshed and renewed regularly. Just as the body needed cleansing through baths and exercise, the mind required cleansing through reflection and philosophical thought. Vera-Ellen’s routine of showering twice a day—once in the evening to wash away the heat of the day, and once in the morning to prepare for a new day—is a modern version of this ancient practice. It is a way to clear away the residue of yesterday and step into the world with a mind and body ready to face new challenges.

The Romans also understood the deep connection between rituals of cleanliness and community. The public baths, often grand and luxurious, were a place where individuals from all walks of life gathered, not only to bathe but to share ideas, to connect, and to recharge. These baths were not simply about physical purification; they were a way to restore the balance between the body and the mind, between individuals and the larger community. In this sense, the act of bathing became a form of meditation, a means of coming together to find clarity and purpose. Just as the bathhouses of ancient Rome were places of rejuvenation, Vera-Ellen’s practice of showering at both the end and beginning of the day is a personal ritual that nurtures her body and mind, preparing her to interact with the world from a place of balance.

Vera-Ellen’s reflection on her showering habits teaches us that the act of self-care is not only a physical necessity, but also a mental and emotional one. In today’s world, we often rush through our days, neglecting the simple rituals that can bring us peace and renewal. Like Vera-Ellen, we can make space for moments of quiet reflection, where we care for our bodies as a way of honoring ourselves and preparing for the world. The evening shower to cleanse away the heat of the day and the morning shower to awaken and prepare for the day ahead are acts of renewal that can serve as reminders of the importance of balance in our lives.

The lesson here is one of mindfulness and intentionality. Just as the ancients understood that true health and vitality stem from the care of both body and mind, we too must make time to nurture ourselves, to renew and recharge in order to meet the demands of life with clarity and purpose. Vera-Ellen’s practice of daily cleansing speaks to the need to find rituals that honor our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In a world filled with distractions, the simple act of pausing to care for our bodies, to cleanse and refresh ourselves, can be a powerful tool for maintaining our balance and focus.

In practical terms, we must recognize that self-care is essential to our ability to face life’s challenges. Whether it is through showering, meditation, or any other form of renewal, we must prioritize the rituals that allow us to recharge and refocus. Like Vera-Ellen, we can make space for daily moments of quiet rejuvenation, recognizing that in these moments, we not only cleanse our bodies but also prepare our hearts and minds for the day ahead. By embracing these rituals, we honor ourselves, and in doing so, we are better able to serve others and live a life of purpose, clarity, and strength.