They say that if you poke a hole in the ground anywhere in Budapest, you'll hit hot water. The same may be true for all of Hungary with its approximately 1,400 thermal water wells. It was just seven days ago that I experienced one of the largest spa complexes in Europe, the Szechenyi thermal baths in Budapest. This structure houses 3 communal pools outside (1 was closed for cleaning) and several smaller baths of varying temperatures (18-40ºC / 64-104ºF) inside. Judging by the crowd on this Tuesday afternoon, the baths are a popular place for tourists and locals alike. Loaded with minerals, the baths are also part of the health care system -- recognized and prescribed by doctors for their healing properties. Immerse yourself in mineral rich warm water and let your ailments dissolve. The purpose of the 'bath' is not to clean but to clear, to help release the aches and reveal the best you without all the accumulated emotional and mental stuff. It's an opportunity to let your best self shine once again. And it's a community bath where you see all shapes, sizes, colors, nationalities, and ages. A reminder that we're all in this together - even on the other side of the world.
CHALLENGE: Make some time today, whether in the shower, bath, or standing in the sun, to consciously release that which no longer serves you and start fresh. Release the guilt, the hurt, the anger -- all the stuff that weighs you down -- and allow yourself to start anew.