Connection and Community
In March 2025 I set off on a WIM Hof expedition in Poland for 5 days. John stayed at home with James and Louis allowing me to catch a flight with my friend Adele. I have always enjoyed invigorating swims in the sea and love the way the cold makes me feel so alive. My mind was beyond curious at what challenges we would face and what more I could learn from exposure to the cold.
During the week we climbed to the top of a snowy Mount Sniezka in shorts and t-shirt with 100 other like-minded curious humans from all over the world. We plunged into a zero-degree snowy waterfall to the sound of Wim Hoff and Tahir Burhan playing their tribal drums. Finally, after taking ice baths each day our group ended the week with a 10 minute session in the large ice pool. I remember how I was shivering even before getting into the ice. We were taught of the importance to warm our bodies up naturally (so that the blood vessels which contract during cold exposure to keep the warm blood in vital organs, reopen gradually and slowly) and so on stepping out of the bath we stood in a circle as a team barefoot on the icy floor doing the “Horse Dance” to warm up. This was the hardest challenge, but I now think of it as the most empowering as it reminded me that my body is far more able than I realised.
What did I learn? Quite simply these experiences taught me about the brilliant intelligence and capability of my body. The power of the breath is something I have always underestimated, and I now have a deep curiosity to learn more about it. In the ice bath for example, consciously slowing breath down and lengthening exhales to calm heartrate and enabled my system to adapt. I learnt the importance of intention before taking on any challenge and how it plays a part in outcomes. Above all, I experienced the heartfelt joy of connection and support from an international community of curious and likeminded people. We had only known each other two days before we climbed Mount Sniezka, yet with cold hands unable to work zips and buttons we were helping each other get dressed on the summit! I now have an icebath in the garden at Bellaport and continue to feel it’s benefits at least once a week. I’m happy to tell you more if you’re interested.
