Start Contemplating, Save Water
How to awaken the philosopher within
CONTEMPLATION
I’m going to start showering four times a day!
Now, you might consider that a waste of water, but I think it might be worth it.
Why?
Because of my thoughts.
Let me explain:
I’m sure you are familiar with the term “shower thoughts”.
The moment you step under the hot water, your mind drifts off, and all sorts of ideas start popping into your head. It is like the shower awakens the philosopher within.
I believe this sort of pondering is important. In fact, I think it is so important that it should not happen just once a day. Why ponder only once a day “by accident”? Should we not make it a point to intentionally take time out of our day for the vital task of pondering?
Perhaps resorting to showering four times daily is not the best way to achieve this. Is there perhaps another approach we could take to awaken the philosopher within us without wasting water?
This makes me wonder: What is there about showering that is so conducive to thinking?
And how could we replicate that setting in a … dry environment?
I can identify a few factors that make the shower a proper pondering place.
First off, it is stress-reducing. The water seems to have a way of washing away the day's worries and freeing our minds to think about other things.
Furthermore, showering is a mindless task. It requires little to no focus, so the mind is free to wander.
The third, and possibly most contributing factor, is the lack of distraction. While in the shower, we can’t hold our phone, watch TV, or scroll social media. We don’t talk to anyone or have others around us demanding our attention. We are alone with our thoughts.
And so, our mind begins traveling. It starts having ideas, processing the day, and rerunning conversations. It is as if, once the shackles of stress, daily tasks, and constant stimulation are broken off, the mind is finally free to explore. All day it is cooped up, but for a few minutes under the hot water it is allowed to run free. Then, once the water turns off, it returns to its chains.
What if things didn’t have to be this way?
I mean, we have the necessary “ingredients” to ponder properly and on purpose. Why don’t we make a point to place “contemplation time” near the top of our “To Do” list?
Here are the factors I have identified as good requirements to meet in order to have shower thoughts outside of the shower:
Find a calm place where you are alone.
Complete a mundane task if need be.
Remove all entertainment and distractions.
Allow your mind to wander unimpeded.
What might you discover in the depths of your soul?
What ideas will pass through your mind?
What fears might you finally understand?
What peace might you ultimately find?
Isn’t this exciting?!
You have the opportunity to awaken your inner philosopher … and not a single drop of water will be wasted!