Leaning in

A few years back, I was introduced to the benefits of cold exposure at a friends’ boxing gym. He has set up an ice bath and we normally use this following a boxing session. He utilises the popular ‘Wim Hof’ method of deliberately exposing yourself to cold temperatures in order to simulate the body’s classic ‘fight-flight’ response. Through slow and controlled breathing, the intention is that you eventually learn to calm your physiology under stress.

The first time I attempted the ice plunge, it was unlike anything I had experienced before. As I lowered myself into the icy water, my entire body when into a state of shock. Every fibre of my being screamed at me to get the hell out. But, after some calm guidance from my friend and some slow and controlled breathing, I eventually made it through.  The remainder of that day was nothing short of amazing.

I am not exactly 100% clear on the science that supports the practice of cold exposure therapy, but I do know one thing. If we can learn to lean in and stay calm under pressure, we are teaching our brains to build resilience.

The practice of opening up and leaning into difficult emotions, of learning to breathe deeply under pressure, of actively choosing discomfort and challenge whilst learning to stay calm, is a powerful thing.

It mostly requires us to let go of our resistance and see just how far we might be able to open up, breathe and lean into to whatever challenges we are facing and experiencing at this point in time. You don’t need to wait for some big, dramatic moment to start learning either. There are opportunities to practice this every day.

Much like when I was lowering myself into that ice bath, you can go one little bit at a time.