As one calendar year softens into its final, glittering moments and a hopeful new chapter gathers on the horizon, our sensitive nervous systems may feel stretched thin between all the sparkling celebration and hopeful expectation.

Since commencing my studies into western herbal medicine, I have certainly gathered a fabulous treasure chest of natural medicine tools to draw on when situations such as these arise.  However, one tool I find myself beckoned back to time and time again is that of water.  River, ocean, lake, rockpool, waterfall, creek – all are magical healers.  However, when you live rural as I do and these options are simply not accessible – a humble bath or shower can be equally as restorative.

Merely the act of stopping and permitting yourself the time and space to just stand with peace and solitude under a cascading shower of water can deliver a soothing calm. Closing your eyes and directing your attention to your breath - whilst being with the warmth of the water on your body - allows your nervous system to slow, settle, and relax.  The act of softening and allowing yourself to let go of that which is not serving you can occur through the magical power of water.

I have always said to my children (who are now young adults!) that sleep is the best medicine, with a warm shower or bath coming in at a very close second.  I truly do trust and still stand by this belief today - nourishing in so many ways is our simple yet incredible ally water.