Every morning for the past week, I have been walking down to the brook and dunking in the cold, fast flowing water. You might ask why a person would willingly do something so uncomfortable?
My desire to cold water dip started when I heard about it from my friend Akasha. She is a wild woman, she enjoys sleeping under the stars. She regularly goes for swims in the nearby lake or brook throughout the year. She has inspired several of her friends to do the same. I thought why not try it out? Cold water dipping, or winter swimming, is known to have many associated health benefits. It can reduce pain for people with fibromyalgia or arthritis. It boosts circulation and the immune system. It has also been known to improve mood disorders and give dippers an overall feeling of well-being and energy. There are of course associated risks if a person goes too fast. Death by neurogenic cold-shock and hypothermia are real risks. But if a person goes slow, for example starting with dunking just half their body, they can build a tolerance to the cold. An Immersion Story I grab my towel and put on my jacket, scarf, hat and boots and head to the forest. As I walk, I begin to hear the gurgling, cool running brook. I am both terrified and excited about the idea of immersing in the frigid water. I shiver and feel vulnerable as I strip down to my bathing suit. I wrap my towel around myself and tread smoothly through the ice cold brook to the other side. The running water plays at my legs. I walk along the crunchy leaves dusted with snow and pick my way around rocks and sticks. The trees are my silent witnesses. I’ve made it to the edge of a beautiful, dark and deep pool with a small waterfall. Intent on getting in without hesitation, I drop the towel and step into the ice water. I feel alive and thrilled about what I am doing. I feel like I am part of the brook as I immerse to my neck level. One, two, three, I count in my head. Four, five, six, I focus on my toes dabbling at the surface. Seven, eight, nine, the rush of the water sounds delightful. Ten, and I quickly get to my feet. I grab my towel and firmly wrap it around like a big hug. I am dripping wet and with a head rush like the feeling of a high. I whisper my gratitude to Creator exuberantly. My body feels tingly and my mind is clear. I make my way back across the shallow stream, stopping to splash some water on my face. I dry myself, put on my clothes, and smile at the feat that I just overcame. Cold water dipping can be a powerful spiritual experience. It strengthens your will power as you empower your mind while your body submits to your intentions. It makes you feel in control. It boosts self confidence. It feels like an accomplishment to overcome the desire for comfort. It can start with a cold shower, and then evolve to wading in brooks or lakes. Pairing it with an intention to overcome fears or obstacles in your life can also be very empowering. When dipping in lakes, rivers, or the ocean, it gets you actively involved in a relationship with nature. The surroundings are serene and peaceful and add to your overall experience. Sharing your enthusiasm and delight with the water is giving back. Cold water dipping is one of the many ways that we can benefit from a relationship with nature. So the question is what are other ways that we can give back? Resources: Huttunen P, Kokko L, Ylijukuri V. (2004). Winter swimming improves general wellbeing. Int. J. Circumpolar Health. 63:140–4. Knechtle, B., Wa´skiewicz, Z., Sousa, C.V., Hill, L., and Nikolaidis, P.T. (2020). Cold Water Swimming— Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17 doi:10.3390/ijerph17238984 Manolis, A.S., Manolis, S.A., Manolis A.A., Manolis, T.A., Apostolaki, N. , Melita, H. (2019) Winter Swimming: Body Hardening and Cardiorespiratory Protection Via Sustainable Acclimation. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 18 (11): 401-415.
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AuthorMay is a sustainability coach, consultant, and gardener working in Nova Scotia. Archives
July 2023
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