How Stripping Boosts Belonging
It was 35 degrees outside. Before my brain could get in the way, I started stripping off my clothes and walked straight into the frigid mountain lake.
Why do such a thing, you ask?
Because I DREAD being cold.
We can discuss the tremendous physiological benefits of cold therapy another day. Today, I prefer to explore something you can apply right away - without being naked in ice water.
First, think back to something you have done that you knew would be difficult, that you felt apprehension about, that sprouted nervous shaking, a pounding heart, or a dry mouth…
And you did it anyway. How did you feel afterwards?
Maybe an inner high five? A surge of energy? Even euphoria? I call it my “invincibility.” In those moments, my sense of self feels strong, intact. The cold plunge brought me closer to me, in the form of self-trust, resilience, self-awareness.
Perceiving an action as hard and doing it anyway fortifies your friendship -- with You.
How about we make a game of it and see what happens?
EXPERIMENT. Your chosen action can be arbitrary, or it can be connected with a personal goal, value, fear, or desire. If imagining doing the action elicits a strong 😳 or 😬 reaction in you, you are on the right track. Bonus points if you hear yourself saying “hellllll no.”
Some inspiration to get your heart brain bouncing:
100 jumping jacks
Wearing that weird shirt you secretly love
Initiating a hard conversation
30 sec of cold water to end each shower
Dancing in public
Restrict food or electronics for a day
Try it once. You might just find an endless supply of superpower fuel you did not know you had!
And I want to hear about it! What did you choose to do? What did you feel before, during, after? Leave a comment on the IG post. It will inspire me and others to keep dancing with this.
