Breathe
As a runner & a yogi, I thought for a long time I understood the power of my breath. Having run races of various distances, including a Marathon & Ultra, I was certain I had an appreciation for my breath. The breath I came to find, I didn't truly understand at all.
This past Monday, I attended a Wim Hof Fundamentals workshop at Breathe Degrees, to beta assist their program prior to official launch. I had the experience of learning the science behind this technique. The practice that can help us regain the primal strengths of our ancestors. The technique that has been known to reset your immune system & increase your blood alkalinity safely. And all it takes is your own breath.
Learning the breathing technique allowed me to sit comfortably meditating in a 38° Ice Bath for several minutes while increasing my internal core temperature by simply incorporating the breathing techniques, tricking my body and realizing that I'm only becoming stronger by being uncomfortable. Additionally, from a personal place this was the first time in nearly two decades I was comfortable enough to take my shirt off in public.
The breathwork portion was like nothing I've ever experienced. While practicing empty breathholds, I was able to hold my breath for nearly four minutes. At one point, I became very emotional remembering the passing of my friends Lawrence & Mitchel who have passed. I began to think how something I take for granted like breathing was something that to these two, to my two friends they couldn't do in their last hours. Something so simple for me is something they would have given anything for in their final moments. I became emotional thinking of my boys as I lied in a room meditating, breathing, with an eye mask, holding my breath in complete darkness - with each breath remembering my friends.
At the final breathhold, I connected to something I never expected and broke down in tears when I felt my hand tightened to the point of going numb (Lawrence used to grab my hand & tell me to stop stressing about everything) & then I heard Mitchel's laugh distantly. Tears began to flow & I didn't want to let go of that connection.
After the breathwork session was over it took me several minutes to reground myself. Feeling the connection to the energy level of love of my friends is something I wanted to never end.
Sitting in a 38° IceBath was easier than expected after learning the Breathing Techniques. I went in & while initially I was cold, I was able to breathe warmth over my body and close my eyes not even realizing how much time had passed.
There are so many benefits to Wim Hof Method to look into & I'm barely in the infancy stage. I can't wait to further my practice & gain a better understanding at how breathwork can aide in healing me & making me a better Yogi, Runner & Human BEing.
