26 Comments

Morocco had these. Women from the tour group and I would wait for the "Western" toilets while old Moroccan ladies would squat. If I squatted, I wouldn't be able to get back up. Perhaps if my culture used those I would be in better shape in more than one way. In hotel bathrooms and public bathrooms, there was a hose with a sprayer by the toilet. "Moroccan Bidet"

Expand full comment
author

You should start working on Hindu Squats. Also, just start sitting in the squat position as well!

A in-home physical therapist friend of mine says that the biggest issue he sees with the elderly is they don't poop, get compacted, and their gut goes to shit.... because they don't poop, and have never pooped, right. Best time to start is now!

https://youtu.be/vw2OT_-M8ek?si=0GMdy0fDn33VZaBT

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

I converted my Incinolet to a dry toilet in which I place an anglecut plastic tub that I line by hand pressing old ad paper into a liner then dumbed for composting. I use a separate urinal.

Expand full comment
author

Interesting. I've used the composting outhouses that use pine shavings and then the whole thing becomes composting. They were much more pleasant than normal. I haven't gotten into composting my own but I am on a septic which is designed to water my wind-break trees.

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

My poops are all about the joy—so any improvement must register on that scale ☺️

Expand full comment
author

I've never used the word joy with poop but I can see your point. I might have to try that.

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

😂

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

The sad thing is that most Americans would never be able to get back up.

Expand full comment
author

Need to start having them do hindu squats!

Expand full comment
Jun 19·edited Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

I first heard about the argument that squatting was a better way to poop when I went to India about 15 years ago. Many locals pointed this out and kept insisting that we poop wrong in the West.

And the thing is, it even makes intuitive sense. I never sit at an upright 90-degree angle when pooping. I'm not even sure it's physically possible. You gotta lean forward over your knees if you're committed to the act!

So it's funny that we've ended up designing toilets that give the appearance of comfort but go against our very experience.

Never heard of the Squatty Potty before, but I'm guessing my wooden IKEA steps might just do the trick. I shall report with my scientific observations later.

Expand full comment
author

It does make intuitive sense but when I first encounted the toilets that were holes in the ground it offended my sensibilities. Even worse, our toilets keep getting taller! If I go into an old home, I don't need a squatty potty because they're already at least 6 inches lower.

Expand full comment
Jun 19Liked by Michael Woudenberg

I'm a short guy, so at this rate, I might soon need those wooden IKEA steps just to reach the toilet seat in the first place.

Expand full comment
Oct 30Liked by Michael Woudenberg

Is this my time? Is this when I can talk about my beloved Squatty Potty?

Expand full comment
author

It is and you may!

Expand full comment
Oct 29Liked by Michael Woudenberg

The enema debacle was hilarious! I can imagine the panic! Squatty potty owner here too.

Expand full comment
author

Panic and then tears as I couldn’t stop laughing! I love my squatty potty. I now have a bidet at home as well and that’s fantastic especially when people panic buy toilet paper!

Expand full comment
Oct 29Liked by Michael Woudenberg

🤣🤣🤣

Expand full comment

Well, I can attest to the benefits of semi squatting (butt on the toilet, feet with toes touching the floor and heels held up). I’ve been shitting like this for six years and the feeling of emptying out is something to be felt in order to be believed. And having plumbed in a bidet about 3 years ago, I can honestly say it’s been a great relief (no pun intended).

Expand full comment
author

Love it. You should really grab a squatty potty. Improves that emptying process greatly.

Expand full comment
Jun 21Liked by Michael Woudenberg

This was freakin' hilarious! And I didn't know we were pooping wrong and that I don't have to buy a fancy hole in the floor to do it right (which would have annoyed the family living in the apartment underneath me to no end, not to mention the property manager ;) ) but that I can so it on tippy-toes while leaning forward. I'll try it next time and let you know if everything came out okay ;)

(Kidding, I promise not to report back lol)

Thanks for a great, funny story - I can just imagine the look on your face when you received an unexpected firehose enema ;)

Expand full comment
author

Lol. Glad you enjoyed it and feel free to report back if you want. I do recommend the squatty potty or even just a simple step. It makes a world of difference. I wasn't too traumatized insofar as I bought my own bidet years later and LOVE IT! 😂

Expand full comment
Jun 20Liked by Michael Woudenberg

Squatty Potty FTW!

Expand full comment
author

I love using them!

Expand full comment
Jun 20Liked by Michael Woudenberg

I even managed to inherit the magical bidet setup but I'm such the western creature of habit that half the time I forget to use it unless I too decide to play with the many buttons and switches labeled with mysterious hieroglyphics

Expand full comment
author

I have one installed in my house and love it. It's also in english...so that helps.

Expand full comment
Jun 27, 2023Liked by Michael Woudenberg

I love this one!

Expand full comment