How We Meet Intensity Matters

Mindful Monday / collaboration post with @olivefertility

I walk my dog along the ocean daily and the sight of people cold water dipping has been common in recent years.

I’ve always marvelled and thought “nope, not for me!”

If I feel cold on land all bundled up, why on earth would I want to disrobe and be even colder in the water?!

Research indicates there are many health benefits - improved circulation, enhanced mental health, reduced inflammation, increased metabolism, improved sleep - but I just don’t like being uncomfortably cold.

Funny thing happened the other day…

I was on a secluded beach, all by myself, and the thought to try suddenly arose. It was SO opposite to how I normally feel that I became curious to follow the inner spontaneity. There was no pressure, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose.

The first steps were INTENSE.

I felt myself contracting and nearly stopped halfway. But then my foot landed on a slippery rock and in losing my balance, there was no choice but to fully slide in.

The shock of now being submerged to my shoulders took my breath away.

I guess I’m in!

Now what happens if I stay?

It was so interesting to watch the shift that happened once I stopped bracing and instead moved into a willingness to be with the intensity. To soften rather than contract.

It was such a deep practice in being fully present.

This reminded me of something one of my patients shared this week. She had just been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and was scared as she was prepped for surgery.

As she cried, the doctor kindly held her hand and said, “It’s ok, you can do this… you can do hard things.”

These words became her mantra during her recovery and a source of strength as she healed.

Sometimes, we choose our hard moments, and sometimes they are very much unwanted. But in embracing the cold, I realized that how we meet intensity matters.

Remembering “I can do hard things” in smaller everyday moments can help build our capacity for the larger moments that come with living life.