Perhaps you have already heard of the Iceman from Limburg. He is not only famous for breaking several world records, such as longest swim under ice, but also for inventing a unique breathing technique. One that reminds us what it feels to feel empowered and reconnected with nature. Living in modern civilization, we lose touch with our natural strength and resistance. Breathing, cold exposure, and commitment (the three pillars of The Method) allow us to master the capabilities of our bodies!
My Personal Ice Bath Experience
Recently, I joined one of the ice bath workshops led by a student of Wim Hof – Rein Sarink. Rein has been practicing The Method for the past years and leads weekly classes at the Conscious Club. The advertisement popped up on my Instagram one night, and without giving it much thought, I signed up. This would be the next step for me in terms of cold immersion. I had been practicing ice baths in the forest lake throughout the winter season with a group of diehards. The stress only caught me two days before the event. I anticipated how the experience could differ from what I knew so far. And, of course, I had the humanly fear of making a goof out of myself (don’t we all have this irrational fear? In this community ALL IS WELCOME).
Overcoming the Fear of Cold
The ice-bathers group turned out to be a lovely mix - both locals and internationals: conscious, daring, and… most of all supportive. After Rein had explained the method theory and we had returned to our bodies through a yoga session – it was time for the real deal. Firstly, intense Wim Hof Breathing 5-6 rounds and after, the ice immersion practice itself. Eight boxes of ice loaded into a container filled with water. I am so grateful for Rein’s coaching: he knew how to make each of us feel strong in facing the cold for an entire 2 minutes. We all succeeded. And everyone’s experience was different.
As Brittany Costa (who was facilitating at the time), said:
“Everyone got what they needed”.
Emotional Cleansing
What was my take-away? I realized that submerging yourself in freezing water helps release blocked emotions, that are just “beneath the surface”. That we repress because they are shameful or not practical. When you sit in extreme conditions, you are forced to FACE YOURSELF. What you are afraid of. It’s just you and the element. This reveals parts of yourself that need healing – sometimes emotions arise, like crying, anger, laughter. And that brings healing and allows you to reclaim your power. You feel so strong!
How To Start Practicing
Now Curious about what Wim Hof ice immersion will bring you? The Conscious Club is organizing a similar Wim Hof Workshop led by Rein Sarink. How Rein Sarink got into practicing and later teaching, this method is quite a story. Here’s a short interview I conducted with our Wim Hof Breathing expert:
Can you tell us about the classes you are teaching at The Conscious Club?
“The lessons I give are breathing meditation Wim Hof style. Every week on Wednesday and each month 2 specials: sound medicine and vision quest.”
Why is Wim Hof a good idea… and what are the benefits?
”Deep, full breathing will disbalance your body. This causes your body to automatically go in restorative mode. Every cell in your body responds and this can be healing, emotionally and physically”
Wow. The healing abilities of the body are fascinating. So what’s your story – how did you get into the Wim Hof Method?
”Well, I have been an asthmatic all my life. I am also naturally a poor breather. It took me many years – until the age of 37 when I began researching the benefits of proper breathing, and that’s when I heard about the Butyko method. I began practicing this method regularly, and it healed me within 3 months from my asthma! After discovering just how powerful breathing is, I decided to continue my breathing journey! I even ended up transforming my job from a store owner to a holistic coach. Somewhere along the line, I signed up for the Wim Hof education program. The cold got me but the breathwork was amazing. Finally, in 2016, I became a Wim Hof Method Instructor”
What a journey! And if someone was to start with Wim Hof Method – what’s the best way?
'“The best way to start at home is create a safe place for yourself. You can download the WHM app in App Store and begin the guided meditation yourself. If you want to go deeper, though, I recommend joining one of the classes at The Conscious Club guided by mef. And, gradually, you can start taking the cold showers.”
Do you have a morning ritual?
”My morning ritual is: I do 3-4 rounds of breathing, then do my animal flow “good morning” practice and next take an ice-cold shower or step in my ice-bath, which happens to be an old refrigerator” (laughs)
Haha… great example that you can make something from nothing. By the way, I am intrigued about how the Wim Hof practice affects our consciousness – how do you see it?
”The breathing can take you very deep. If you surrender, it’s even possible you will have a re-birthing experience. Although, it can also be more subtle and clear your mind, but you can go as deep to get in to deep trauma as well. It has the power to be amazingly strong depending on how far you want to go.”
Thanks so much Rein! So many exciting plans for this month. I’m sure people can use a cool down as well in this weather!
- Written by Michelle Prygiel
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