Plunge Into the Unexpected

I was on a meditation retreat at beautiful Lake Taupo in NZ.

The week was an opportunity to just be. To meditate. To deepen my technique. To connect with other like-minded souls. To enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Taupo. 

It was divine!

At this retreat - I also enjoyed cold water plunging every day. In fact, our small group of 4 on Day 1 grew to 14 people by Day 7. Everyone became hooked!
 
While I have always loved swimming - I admit my initial expectation of cold water plunging was so different to the actual experience!

For those of you just shivering at the thought, let me break it down.

My expectation was based on the fact that when the water is slightly colder than comfortable swimming, I generally start to shiver like most people, and it's unpleasant. This happens to me when the temperature drops below 20 (Celsius). 

So my expectation of swimming in water at 14 Celsius was significant shivering and pain!

However, much to my surprise, I discovered that instead of feeling cold, you rapidly go numb, and then strangely feel warm. No shivering at all! And you also feel so alive and amazing!

In reality, what happens is your body releases a heady combination of natural hormones (norepinephrine, dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline) which make you feel alive and incredible!

So my actual experience was the complete opposite of what I was expecting. Combined with the natural beauty of Lake Taupo - I couldn't wait for my morning plunge!

It made me reflect on how our expectations or "projections" often don't represent the reality or experience. Whether it is to do with cold water plunging, making life changes, or having a difficult conversation at work. So many of our assumptions are incorrect - driven by our neurological wiring to stay away from potential pain, and it's only when we live the experience that we discover the reality and true positives.

Just over 2 years ago - I thought there was no way I could sit still long enough to meditate for more than 20 minutes. At last week's retreat I deeply enjoyed meditating for 3 hours every day (as well as cold plunging!)

My point? 

There is so much to discover by just stepping beyond our comfort zone and giving new things a go. You will always discover and learn something new from the experience, and perhaps like or even love it.

It doesn't have to be a really big, scary, "blow up your life" thing. Just little things can bring so much discovery and joy. For me - meditation and cold water plunging is definitely here to stay.

My motto: it's always better to lean into growth - than live with regret!