Finding quiet time

[hearthstone]

I was reading posts made to a mailing list, I don't remember which one, and someone mentioned that they often did their devotions "in the shower," in a self-deprecating sort of way, as if this was something to be embarrassed about.

I'll add myself to the list of people who have done that on occasion.

As a parent, I've found that there are times when the only time you have alone during the day is the time you spend in the shower. It's more of an issue when the kids are younger, but even when they're older there's no guarantee of alone time at any point in the day. Granted, I've been interrupted in the shower as well--you know, like when someone needs to know where the grated cheese is right now! However, generally speaking, shower time is quiet time. Usually no one tries to engage you in conversation (apart from the occasional grated parmesan emergency). If the phone rings, someone else will answer it, and take a message if it's for you.

I imagine that the same holds true for many people with roommates. Or pets, for that matter.

So if you want to be able to focus during your devotions, the shower can be the single best place to do it.

No need for embarrassment. Seriously, sometimes it's the best choice.

Comments

[theophania.livejournal.com]

My problem is the opposite. I'm constantly alone and have way too much time on my hands. I can't even imagine not being to have a few minutes at the least to worship The Gods, say prayers etc. Must be really tough. I kind of look at showering as a form of purification and sometimes, if I want to say a prayer, read something sacred or do some kind of ritual, I take special care when showering to focus on clenzing and purification so I sort of understand your point.

[whitecrow0.livejournal.com]

It's where I pray and meditate and think and stuff; it's the only place I feel I can.

[aven-envoy.livejournal.com]

All bathing is an act of prayer to me.

[eydimork.livejournal.com]

I can think of a lot of reasons not to do devotions in the shower, but they are definitely not general 'applies to everyone' kind of reasons. Approaching deities in the nude, cleanliness of the area, being that close to objects of 'miasma', lack of correct ritual procedure and similar issues can certainly play a part, and this is assuming the devotional part is not actually during the cleaning process, which would bring up even more issues.

Doing devotions in the shower like that is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but it does require a certain kind of relationship to your deity/ies and/or a certain kind of temperament of said deity/ies. That's not something everyone has. Sometimes it's not remotely close to a choice at all. All the more wonderful for you that it is!