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Righteous cold

Bondi Beach. Saturday morning, 7:30am #Cool2BConscious 

There I am sitting on the sand. Me and my friends, about 1,000 people I've never met before.

No idea what we're about to get into. 

Or maybe just a little bit.

It's been a clamber through traffic and pre-teen tension. 

My body is sitting on the sand by the sea, but my mind is still racing as the event is started with an invitation.

It sounds simple....

Come into the present moment.
Close your eyes.
Calm your thoughts.

Without the mind present, it's not as easy as it sounds. And then my mind shows up.

The visuals fade as my eyes close, and sounds become crisp.

A full symphony of white noise fills my ears, and I hear crashing waves and the chattering of humans. 

My auditory awareness is piqued, and I dive into an internal river of sound.

I am here. 

It is now.

The breeze approaches me and touches my face. 

An uninvited though welcome guest, it travels constantly, and brings salt and stories from the ocean. 

I spend a delicious minute with the wind in delightful rich reverie, and it reminds me of open windows and freedom. 

Memories of long days spent on sand by sea stir.

And then, I hear in the distance: "Slowly open your eyes." I smile, and return to my daydream.

Again, and more insistent now: "Look around, and enjoy the feeling of being relaxed and more present."

My eyes open, and I'm back on the beach. It's a Saturday morning. Still.

Before us, there are wading pools filled with ice.
 

Our facilitator walks us through the program.

Connection with a stranger.

Breathwork and meditation.

Ocean dip and ice bath.

Before long, I'm face to face with a stranger, and we are encouraged to connect over three sequential questions.

The first question: What brought you here today?

The combination of set, setting and stranger makes it easier to be vulnerable.

She goes first, and recounts an interest chain of experiences which have culminated in her sitting on this beach today.

It's a familiar story. Challenges and opportunities dance to a beautiful synchronous beat, as they always do. 

And issues evolve into inspiration as we reflect in the now. With the ice broken, the second question is proffered, along with the invitation to go deep.

What is the most intense emotion that you felt in the last 6 months?

I relate an experience of visiting my father's grave. In the presence of a stranger, the emotion of the experience bubbles up, a mental video plays in my mind's eye, and I share the sadness and loss. 

My vulnerable share creates space for her, and she relates an experience intermingled with joy and sorrow. 

The stories that have been hard to share, even though they are deeply felt, are somehow easier to divulge with a stranger.

The final question is announced: What are you going to bring more of to your 2025?

She shares her intention for conscious positive self care.

I share my intention for authentically letting more of myself out.

And then our time together it is done, and new friends farewell and prepare for breathwork.

Laying down, the breaths come full and fast, and eyes roll back away from the sky. 

3 rounds of breathing.

First nose in, nose out.
Then nose in, mouth out.
Then mouth in, mouth out.

5 minutes per round.

Away we go on a mystical journey, complete with magical musical accompaniment. 

The beats and drum and acoustic guitar take me away.

And then there are words sound from a loudspeaker.

The guide is calling, beckoning our return from the meditation journey.

My hands are tingling. 

My head feels light, my hair full of sand.

The sky is less bright now, or perhaps I can handle it better. 

The sand pushes between my toes, and I stand tall facing the ocean with a relaxed smile.

My legs pump effortlessly and I enter the sea. I dive beneath a rearing wave, share the water from my hair, and then turn to contemplate the ice.

The water is ominous, and large blocks of ice jostle for space on the surface. 

Wim Hof's voice rings in my ears: "Go to the cold, for the cold is righteous." My confidence grows.

Stepping into the water, my breath is in my mouth. Intensely cold. Looking for the righteousness, but can't seem to find it.

My body steps in, and my breath deepens. 

Breathe in.

Breathe out 

Conscious deep respiration as the intensity recedes. 

Focus and presence sharpen.

The cold is righteous, I smile. 
 

 
I hear clapping, and the facilitators are chanting. Everyone is chanting.

5

4

3

2

1

My body erupts from the water, and I experience a paradox of tingling and numbness.

I look across to my wife. 

Her eyes are bright, and I can tell she has met with the righteous cold too.

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