To mark the conclusion of 2024, I've been taking part in a polar plunge at Nosen Lake in Norway. I am participating at a retreat center in Nosen and here ice-bathing is a common practice that happens every 6 days as part of the awakening of your awareness and connection to the depth of your being.
Why endure the icy shock of diving into a lake, in the middle of nature?
It turns out that ice baths has great benefits for those brave enough to take the freezing plunge. It raise serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain! It says that it enhance your immune system, induce a positive stress response and strengthening your resilience to negative stress.
Ice bathing acts as a pain reliever when adrenaline and dopamine are released and provide an energy boost that generally enhances our alertness.
On our 5th day of practicing yoga and meditating at the Centre, ice bathing was offered as part of the program. This activity, much like meditation and yoga, enables us to forge a deep connection between the body and mind.
The weather was cold, yet there was no wind, making it a truly delightful day and a wonderful way to conclude the year 2024. It was my first experience walking on a frozen lake. Seeing this vast expanse is very mesmerizing!
When I immersed myself in the icy water, the initial shock can trigger a stress response, leading to rapid, shallow breathing and heavy shaking. I never shacked so much in my life! However, by consciously redirecting attention to my breath and adopting a slow, deep breathing pattern, and with the help of Hari whom participated as yoga teacher and calming voice, I was able to counteract this instinctual reaction after only 1 minute.
This intentional focus on breathing acts as a strong anchor, enabling the mind to calm down and promoting a feeling of inner peace among the intense physical sensations of cold.
As the breath becomes more regulated, my body starts to adapt to the cold, and a remarkable transformation begins to occur. Much like in meditation, where the practitioner aims to quiet the mind and achieve mindfulness, the act of concentrating on breathing in an ice bath can lead to a similar state of awareness and presence.
This process encourages the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones, promoting an overall sense of well-being. Furthermore, the rhythmic nature of deep breathing can facilitate the entry into a “flow” state, a term often associated with optimal performance and heightened focus. In this state, I experienced a loss of self-consciousness and a deep immersion in the present moment, allowing me to transcend the discomfort of the cold and connect with my inner resilience.
This synergy between breath control and physical challenge not only enhances mental clarity but also cultivates emotional stability, making ice baths an unconventional yet effective tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
In essence, the practice of focusing on breathing calmly during an ice bath is not merely about enduring the cold; it is about harnessing the power of breath to navigate through discomfort, achieve mindfulness, and ultimately reach a harmonious state of flow that resonates with the principles found in both meditation and yoga.
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