An Onsen Story
More like an observation really.
It was a drizzly Friday. My husband and I decided to visit the onsen for a warm, relaxing bath. The last time we went at 7pm, the bathhouse was packed. So this time, we decided to go earlier in the late afternoon.
Surprisingly, there were still quite a number of people even at such an odd hour.
This bathhouse is probably my favorite onsen place of all time. It has an outdoor and indoor hot spring. It also has a variety of facilities with different bath features. It felt like onsen heaven.
Have you ever seen a picture or painting of a Japanese bath? Let me take you into what it really feels to be a part of the painting in the modern times.
As I settled in the water, my eyes started to wander.
Different beautiful bodies gingerly make their way into the bath, passing a moment of awkwardness as if disturbing the peace. As the females walk around the bathouse, I couldn’t help but admire God’s beautiful creations; their every shape, size and curve.
Each individual body would plant themselves in a corner of the bath. Within a few minutes, life would leave her eyes. Her physical being here, her mind already transported to another realm. Perhaps visiting a memory from the past, or reflecting on their day; or maybe mapping out their future, or picking on themselves silently; or perhaps they’re meditating, or their minds are just completely blank.
Once in a while, an occasional sigh was released. Some eyes shifted and looked on in empathy. As I browsed around, most people would have already retreated into their bubble, leaving a sullen shell in the water. Their eyes staring at a spot blankly while their minds wander into their thoughts, insecurities, worries, and memories. If they came with friends, soft quick whispers would wisp swiftly in the air.
Some seek comfort in the hot spring water and refuge in a place of strangers. As her thoughts carry them through time and emotion, a single tear may roll down her cheek unknowingly while still trapped in her movie. The ones who are more self-aware would bury their heads in their arms, stifling their sobs. The ones who could keep silent would give it away with their heaving chests. The surrounding people would remain undisturbed, deep in their own trance.
Some ladies would occasionally snap back to reality when someone new joins in but would instantaneously return to their last played thought. When they become restless, they’d take a short break by walking to a different bath. Then, submerge their bodies, and let their minds roam again. Some would lay on deck chairs and completely let go of themselves as they allow themselves to enter their dreams. Others would sit on outdoor chairs, their bodies lifeless and still, eyes hardly blinking, the wheels in their brains working overtime.
Sometimes, I wonder, what life movie is playing in their minds? What thoughts are they entertaining? Which part in time in their short life are they reliving?
As the carbonated hot spring water fizzes on my skin, I finally close my eyes and let my mind rest.
It was my turn to switch off my light.