(written on a Wednesday afternoon).
Last night was my Mikvah night. As I prepared for my immersion in the Mikvah, I became aware of a few things.
1) Half an hour (or more) in a nice warm bath is a wonderful way to contemplate all of life's little foibles. A great way to relax, unwind and let the things that have been bothering you go.
2) I can hear my heartbeat when I put my ears underwater.
3) There is nothing more serene than the quiet of a preparation room at a Mikvah. No children come knocking on the door - then barging in - to ask inane questions ("Jordana took a toy to school today without permission! Can I take one tomorrow?") No husband to come in and break the silence and serenity ("I just need to poo/take out my contacts/do an interpretive dance with the dog, you don't mind, do you? You're just taking a bath"). The Mikvah preparation room is all yours. You can take as long as you like (though you should keep in mind that other people may want to use the Mikvah and the attendant likely doesn't want to be there ALL night).
4) The Mikvah really does make sure you are completely prepared - since yesterday I went straight to the Mikvah from school - and I forgot to bring my own little personal kit that I put together, containing my toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, flosser, etc..., I had to rely on the Mikvah's supplies. I really like the smell of their shampoo (shoulda brought the rest of the bottle home! Darn!!) and their single use, cellophane wrapped toothbrushes come PREPASTED! How cool is that? You can't see the paste, but when you brush your teeth, they get all foamy - and it doesn't taste half bad.
5) Those single use Crest floss strips are really difficult to open. Clearly made by engineers for engineers. How was I supposed to know the ends are actually GLUED into those packets!!
6) They make earrings that aren't really earrings!! It's just a post, that you put through your earring hole to make sure there's no schmutz in there. Tres cool. And for someone who doesn't wear earrings - it was a little gross to find some schmutz.
7) Single use combs are not made for people with wild thick hair. I nearly broke the darn thing trying to get it through my hair, which brings me to...
8) I REALLY need a haircut!! After nearly a year of covering my hair, I can't remember the last time I had a haircut - maybe 8 or 9 months ago!! I mean, I knew it was getting long, just based on the fact that I can tie it up into a ponytail. But trying to wash/rinse/brush my hair in the tub - I realized how desparate my need for a haircut really is!!
9) I found out last night I can say the blessing all the way through without needing help - yes it's posted on the wall, and yes I still need to read it - but I can read the blessing in Hebrew without any help!!
And finally...
10) It's darned hot in the Mikvah!
While Mivkah is something many women don't discuss in public - it's not that it's secretive or anything, just personal - it's something I look forward to every month. Sure, sometimes it's a drag to go out - especially in winter when their hours are earlier and the air is cold, and sometimes in summer when it's open later, but you're already ending your day, but once I'm there, it's so relaxing. Almost as relaxing as going to a spa, and in some ways more, because the gates of Heaven are open to your personal prayers when you are done.
