24 May | Youth
«Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.» Psalm 51:2
Have you ever wondered why we come up with brilliant ideas when we are in the shower? Do you know that refreshing, warm bath that makes you smile out of nowhere and sing nonstop? In this incredible moment, as the water falls down our face, we have the feeling that we are the most creative person in the world.
Science explains why this happens. According to American psychologist John Kounios, there are two reasons for this phenomenon. First: during the shower, our senses diminish. Vision is limited by the falling water, hearing is restricted to the noise of the shower and the sensation of touch is reduced by the temperature of the water, which is similar to that of the body. So, instead of the senses focusing on the outside, they turn inward. With the visual cortex “turned off,” our mind becomes more creative.
The second reason has to do with the fact that showering is a relaxing moment, in which we normally enjoy a peaceful and pleasant moment. Kounios explains that good humor stimulates creativity.
The Bible speaks of several types of baths. One of them was for body hygiene. As there was no shower or running water for everyone, people dived into rivers, lakes, or wells. Only the wealthier classes carried water to bathe. King Herod, for example, was known for building thermal pools in his extraordinary fortress of Masada, in the middle of the Judean desert, four hundred meters above sea level.
In biblical times, there were still baths called “purification rites.” Several times, God commanded the Israelites to bathe before special occasions, such as the giving of the law at Sinai and the Day of Atonement (Exod 19:10; Lev 16:4). Later, Jews instituted the practice of immersion in baptisteries called miqweh, the purpose of which was to remove ceremonial impurities and promote conversion to Judaism. A similar rite was initiated in Christianity by John the Baptist.
Have you already been baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit? Have you ever received a shower of God's grace? He wants to wash and purify you. Certainly, this will be the smartest and most creative choice you will make.