Notes » Relaxation Takes Work
Notes » March 2004
Relaxation Takes Work
Relaxation is vital to surviving Hong Kong.
Daily life often bursts with tasks; taking time to unwind seems impossible. Sometimes people forget how to kick back. My wife is like that. She's a leader, she's ambitious and she works very hard. If I don't remind her to chill, she'll work until she unravels.
There are times that even reminding her won't do the trick; I have to plot and scheme to wedge a break into her calendar. Inspiration from a decorating tip had me eager to procure the magic ingredients of stress-relief. The mission: turn an ordinary bath into an oasis for 30 minutes of soothing down-time.
I went to Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, where I knew I'd find plenty of shops offering what I wanted. Within minutes I found everything: half a dozen frosted candle holders and tea lights; a large, round scented candle and base; and an aromatherapy diffuser with lavender essential oil (Hong Kong has no shortage of aromatherapy; I couldn't turn around in that mall without tripping over some).
Afterward, I met Mabel for dinner, but not before tucking her gifts deep inside an ordinary shopping bag. During our meal I encouraged her to take a long bath when we got home, and then teased her by saying I had gifts but that she wouldn't get them if she didn't agree to the plan.
It was gentle but none-too-subtle manipulation, but the end justified the means.
Once home, I offered to draw her bath while she performed her evening ablutions in the second bathroom. I set up the tea lights on three glass shelves over the head of the bathtub, then placed the candle in the corner at the foot. The diffuser went on a shelf next to the tub.
As the bathtub filled, I mixed in lavender foaming powder, added a few drops of essential oil to the diffuser, and then lit the tea lights and the candle. The room became warm and inviting.
With no idea what to expect, Mabel allowed me to cover her eyes and lead her to the bathroom. The fragrance might have given away the surprise, but she thought it came from the bubble bath.
Instead she found a waiting mini-spa. As she settled into the tub, her expression of delight confirmed my afternoon had been well-spent. I closed the door behind me to let the ambiance work its spell.
Half an hour later, she was greatly relaxed and ready for a good night's sleep.
Mission: accomplished.
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