2: Happiness for Tourists (Anna Beth)

     According to Lucius' father in Thermae Romae Novae, "They [Roman baths] are celebrations of our way of life... in war and in life...if you cannot rest your body and rejuvenate your strength, giving any endeavor your best is impossible" (Episode 1). Lucius, as the main character, is inspired by the collaboration of his grandfather and father to cultivate and protect the future of Rome by providing a tranquil space for relaxation and release of unwanted tension for its citizens. While this could be considered a very dramatic statement about the role of the Roman baths, the function of such baths, as well as saunas, could be considered a highly beneficial practice for the awareness and appreciation of a supple body and calm mind.

    The article provides a resonation for any burnout American, who desires a sense of release from the heavy demands of life. As a collegiate athlete, I understand the need to relax my mind from the academic studies and my legs and core from activities of riding. Though I do not really think talking to trees will give me peace, I agree with the author that the Nordic practice of saunas can engage the release of stress through an active conscious presence of mind. As the author describes, I also experienced a sense of glow and renewal as I walked out of the sauna into the open air. 

    However, when is hot too hot? My little brother came to visit me as I studied in Costa Rica, and as a fun adventure I took him to hot springs warmed by the local volcano. When we jumped into the hottest bath advertised by the springs, my brother and I took one look at each other... and screamed! We got of there as fast as our burned bodies could take us. During the sauna experience in Germany, I gritted my teeth while the hot löyl was wafted towards me by the ritual fan. Instead of pursuing this experience as a point for relaxation, I was engaged in a battle of physical fortitude to withstand such temperatures!  Is this a correct approach to the sauna and hot baths? When can too much become too much? I am not able to answer that question here, but it is an exploratory question to ask about the possible exchange I made between fighting through the burning pain and the peaceful relaxation I had initially come for. 

    Looking back on my experience from the Badehaus, I wish I could incorporate such practices at home. The least I can do is a hot shower after a long day. As a last reflection, the Badehaus (and class lectures about the sauna) has changed my views on relaxation and the particular care I need to apply to my body and mind. I have discovered a purpose to rejuvenate my strength through the usage of the manipulation of environmental conditions.