Other religions also use ablution rituals for cleansing. I used to think of it as merely a symbolic action to reinforce one's intentions. While that still holds true, now I am seeing that ablutions also have a very physical, spiritual and psychological effect.
Water, as you know, is a powerful element. It carries energy. It absorbs energy. If the water used to ablutions is pure, it will absorb negative energy from a person or thing and carry some of it away.
It also works in reverse. Water that is impure, polluted and such can infect people on all levels.
When I bathe or shower, I say prayers of gratitude for the water and the cleansing so that, in a small way, is a form of ablution, isn't it? Informal but heartfelt.
