Mind-Body Ritual #8: The Cold Shower
Mind-Body Ritual #8
The Cold Shower
Position
Standing with spine neutral and chest open.
Breathing
INHALE through the nose
EXHALE through the mouth
Intention
Resilience. Empowerment.
"Through the storm, I AM Grace."
Practice
Take shower as you would regularly.
At end, begin taking deep breaths in a faster fashion (one deep breath per second).
After 16-32 preparation breaths, turn the faucet halfway to cold.
Take long deep breaths (one deep breath per four seconds).
Try to control your breathing and heart rate, relaxing into the cold.
Rotate your body and limbs to submerge in the colder water.
After your body has relaxed and settled at this temperature, you can flip the faucet all the way to cold.
Continue to take long deep breaths, being cautious and mindful of your position and posturing.
Cautiously rotate and expose different parts of your body to the cold water.
Experiment with activating your core, buttocks, and back muscles.
Allow the water to cleanse your head and face.
Surrender to the cold.
When the process feels complete and you have reached your threshold (heart rate has gone up), either flip the water back to warm or turn it off and dry off.
*Take this process slow. If you experience dizziness, vertigo or any abnormal symptoms, stop the practice or decrease the cold intensity. The purpose is to expose the nervous system to momentary discomfort and stretch our capacity to maintain physiological peace in a controlled fashion. If you continue to experience any pain, dizziness, nausea, or light-headedness, consult your holistic/primary care provider. Cold showers are more appropriate in warmer months.
By gently challenging our nervous system in a controlled fashion, we increase our ability to adapt to this positive eustress. Remember, you can always persevere through the challenges of life. You are the storm. Find your empowered Peace from within. Ground Grace into your mind-body.