Ice cold
When opportunities arise, I pride myself on often seeing them and going for it.
Last week was one of those opportunities and I wasn’t able to resist. When my best friend’s passion, work and dedication came together in a week long retreat in Norway, where he would share his knowledge about cold, breath and self improvement, I just had to be there.
Working with two colleagues, together they created a well balanced week of breath work, cold training, swimming in a frozen lake, hiking in shorts and bare chest in -20ºC, yoga, an introduction with chi-gong, excellent food, sauna and so, so much more. They created a retreat in which the participants - including myself - would be confronting, surrendering, acknowledging and honouring the inescapable connection between body, mind and spirit.
Between all people there, my participation was slightly different. Even though for many of the exercises I put my cameras away to fully engaged with the assignments at hand, in some situations I did take the invitation and responsibility to capture this awesome experience very seriously. It was such a privilege to be the observer of these people’s vulnerable moments as well as receiving the incredible knowledge and dedication of the coaches.
So, I can honestly say that my own process has been life changing as well. A new connection with my body, with my breath and in the end with myself, is still settling in and still has to fully land.
I don’t share recognisable photos of the participants here as I want to be respectful with their privacy. I am allowed to share photos of my friend and his colleagues Monique and Monica. And, as I trust my mate with my life, I trusted him with my camera as well. So I can also share some of the pictures I asked him to take of me.
If you’re interested, check their site at www.koudeseminaar.nl (in Dutch)
