For me this has definitely been the year of connection.
New connections, new friendships and a deepening of connection to others. Last Monday, I went to Nirvana Spa with an old (she's not old, in fact she's extraordinarily youthful) but we've known each other a long time, decades! We used to work together in our corporate days and created a strong bond then, which has lasted all this time.
We decided to meet at a Spa for a treat (obvs) but also so that we could have a really long catch up (not just lots of disjointed, interrupted, sporadic catch ups). It was amazing in so many ways but the one thing I want to talk about today is:
COLD and HOT.
I know I've talked a lot about the Ayurvedic benefits of consuming food and drink warm (not hot or cold) to aid digestion and alleviate inflammation and generally to keep the digestive fire burning at optimum.
But .....
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a huge advocate and participant in all year round skins sea swimming.
"Why, on earth?", you might say.
Well, you could read all the reports and studies about what the cold water does to your blood and body and heart and mind etc. but I love a human story and this is mine.
To start with, I love the sea. The expanse of sky, the moving and unpredictable water, the colours and power of the elements and how it makes me and my world seem extraordinarily small. So I begin to feel my mood lifting even on the journey to the sea, almost in anticipation of feeling really good.
Let's be honest, the sea here in the UK is never going to be balmy, but this time of year is the coldest and boy is it biting sometimes, prickly feeling on the legs, breath is quite literally taken away, laughter and shrieking from friends and that's the point. Quite apart from the physical benefits of cold water it just takes you out of your mind and directly into your body and the sensations you are feeling (or coping with, however you choose to observe it).
Last Friday, I had a treat at the sauna on the beach in Worthing and so I experienced the wonderful combo of very hot and very cold in quick succession.
This brings me back to the spa. We were there for 10 full hours, but for a short time I ended up in the steam room on my own. Feeling the steam infiltrate my lungs and heat up my body felt great, but after a while, it was too much, so I walked out and stumbled across a cold plunge pool.
That's a great idea, I thought. Love me a bit of hot and cold.
Oh no!
It must have some sort of sensor, because once immersed in the cold water - ice cubes started tumbling out of the ceiling and landing on me. What a shock! I climbed out super fast, laughing at my own lack of observation.
Did I hate it? Yes, initially.
Did I do it again more than once? Hell yeah!!
You might be laughing now and thinking "nutter". But I urge you to try a little cold water if it isn't already part of your day. Just turn the shower to cool (not cold) before you step out and notice how you feel. Then go from there.
I'd love to know your thoughts and observations! Let me know.
Comments