Still touch and go with Wim’s system.
Yes I like the breathing, the meditation, and the health benefits of all of that including the cold showers… but in week 5 Wim wants you to take a 10 minute cold shower every day, and it gets deeper from there. In the beginning the practice was 30 minutes, then 45, now I spend over an hour every day doing the practice, which I believe will continue to increase.
I had to think to myself… do I really see myself submerging myself in ice baths, the lake in winter, climbing mountains, etc, for the rest of my life?
I’m just a little too busy lately to get on board with that deep of a continual practice.
I’ll keep up a schedule of breathing, stretching, and at times starting --but mostly ending-- with cold showers. However I don’t see myself hiking up any mountains without clothes on or jumping into a lake anytime soon. So I’m going to discontinue, at least at this point in my life, going any further with this practice, and just mix in a bit of it into my daily life.
I am reminded of the multiple times in my life where I got into a deep meditation practice, had amazing results and experiences, then life got in the way by keeping me busy. I stopped practicing for a day, two, three, and soon you forget about what results you experienced as if they never happened, and easily discard the practice all together... coming to that realization makes me believe I need to get back on the horse... Maybe when I start focusing on competition again, I will go deeper into the practice to give me a mental edge.
Not that you shouldn’t get into Wim's program! There are tons of awesome people in Wim’s facebook group jumping into lakes, taking ice baths, climbing mountains or even taking out the trash in their shorts. That type of involvement is just not me right now.
Best of luck!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Delays
I got into a bad habit of writing things on paper and not blogging them immediately.
I've been super busy with a few things that suddenly started happening for me and regrettably wasn't able to find the time to breathe, let alone sleep a decent amount of hours each day. I'm going to restart week 4 on Sunday.
I've been super busy with a few things that suddenly started happening for me and regrettably wasn't able to find the time to breathe, let alone sleep a decent amount of hours each day. I'm going to restart week 4 on Sunday.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Week 4 - Day 2
I've figured out why my retention times aren't improving...
1) I'm usually doing it after training/a long day as opposed to in the morning
2) I'm usually doing it after having coffee/dehydrated
3) I'm sitting with improper posture, even when I try to sit with proper posture. I work a desk job and my lower back is pretty weak because of it. I believe my tight back and chest restricts my ability to take air in.
I stayed home from training after work and decided to do the exercises at 5pm. I'm going to make a conscious effort to wake up early and get this done instead of leaving it until later.
After the first round of sitting upright and being disappointed in my results, I decided to lay down for the first time in weeks and instantly there were much better results. I was able to take more air in, I felt my hands cramping, I felt more fully charged, and more tingling in my body. I also saw more lights in the later rounds. This feels 'right'.
This week Wim has you do 3 rounds of breathing, pushups, more rounds (as many as you like), certain stretches and other yogic poses, followed by meditation. He gives you more mental coaching to help with the cold showers which has provided some interesting results.
1) I'm usually doing it after training/a long day as opposed to in the morning
2) I'm usually doing it after having coffee/dehydrated
3) I'm sitting with improper posture, even when I try to sit with proper posture. I work a desk job and my lower back is pretty weak because of it. I believe my tight back and chest restricts my ability to take air in.
I stayed home from training after work and decided to do the exercises at 5pm. I'm going to make a conscious effort to wake up early and get this done instead of leaving it until later.
After the first round of sitting upright and being disappointed in my results, I decided to lay down for the first time in weeks and instantly there were much better results. I was able to take more air in, I felt my hands cramping, I felt more fully charged, and more tingling in my body. I also saw more lights in the later rounds. This feels 'right'.
This week Wim has you do 3 rounds of breathing, pushups, more rounds (as many as you like), certain stretches and other yogic poses, followed by meditation. He gives you more mental coaching to help with the cold showers which has provided some interesting results.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Week 4 - Day 1
Week 4 looks amazing. The video is an hour as opposed to the regular 30 minutes.
My times were 130>145, 130>140, 153>230 and I did 70 pushups after round 4. I felt incredibly charged and had tremendous focus, with a sense of 'it's starting to make sence' (Why I'm doing this). My awareness feels stronger/less easily distracted.
I did 40 pushups afterwards
My times were 130>145, 130>140, 153>230 and I did 70 pushups after round 4. I felt incredibly charged and had tremendous focus, with a sense of 'it's starting to make sence' (Why I'm doing this). My awareness feels stronger/less easily distracted.
I did 40 pushups afterwards
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Week 3 - Day 7
I found that I'm able to retain better if I dont give myself opportunities to look at what time it is.
130>200, 135>200, 200>230, 215-245
I did 40 diamond pushups afterwards. Cold shower went fine, my initial reaction is less and less but I am anxious to get onto the next week already.
130>200, 135>200, 200>230, 215-245
I did 40 diamond pushups afterwards. Cold shower went fine, my initial reaction is less and less but I am anxious to get onto the next week already.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Week 3 - Day 6
Today didn't yield great results as it was 7pm and I had just finished eating
Times were 110>130, 117>200, 131>205, 145>215. I decided to do 35 slow pushups instead of giving it decent explosiveness
Times were 110>130, 117>200, 131>205, 145>215. I decided to do 35 slow pushups instead of giving it decent explosiveness
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Week 3 - Day 5
I ripped home after teaching a tough jiu jitsu class where I worked myself to the limit and hardly ate all day. I wanted to do the exercises on an empty stomach but was starving.
Times were 115>140, 132>210, 145>235, 155>245
On the third retention as I was holding my breath I felt a fire inside of myself, and an extreme burst of energy. I wrote “POWER” down on my journal and dug my pen in as I was writing it
I’ve been training a lot, so I started doing the pushups on the inhale and already felt this wasn’t going to go well. I did 15, stopped and started doing situps instead for 40 before I relaxed into meditation
I’m listening to this to help activate the ‘third eye’ as I meditate. It’s produced some interesting results of feeling as if I’m not in my body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4XILtCBJ3k&list=FLwwhsWFjgUx8x1Wd1LOm7fg&index=18
The cold showers afterwards are annoying to have to go through, but every day are getting easier and more tolerable.
Times were 115>140, 132>210, 145>235, 155>245
On the third retention as I was holding my breath I felt a fire inside of myself, and an extreme burst of energy. I wrote “POWER” down on my journal and dug my pen in as I was writing it
I’ve been training a lot, so I started doing the pushups on the inhale and already felt this wasn’t going to go well. I did 15, stopped and started doing situps instead for 40 before I relaxed into meditation
I’m listening to this to help activate the ‘third eye’ as I meditate. It’s produced some interesting results of feeling as if I’m not in my body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4XILtCBJ3k&list=FLwwhsWFjgUx8x1Wd1LOm7fg&index=18
The cold showers afterwards are annoying to have to go through, but every day are getting easier and more tolerable.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Week 3 - Day 4
Again I had a long day and started my exercises at midnight. This time I did forgo the cold shower just because of how exhausted I was.
Times were 1:31>145, 150> 230, 2:00>230, 210 >240
Pushups were on the inhale this time and I did 50. Shoulders felt like they were going to explode. I wonder if I should just do them slower instead of being as explosive.
Times were 1:31>145, 150> 230, 2:00>230, 210 >240
Pushups were on the inhale this time and I did 50. Shoulders felt like they were going to explode. I wonder if I should just do them slower instead of being as explosive.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Week 3 - Day 3
I did today’s exercises at 12:20am before the veterans day/remembrance day holiday. I need to get into waking up earlier and starting the day off with these as opposed to finishing with them.
Times were 115>140, 133>200, 140>230, 140>230
There was a lot of strobing lights in my vision, I felt light headed and my ears were ringing very loud to the point where I couldn’t hear the lesson by Wim. I did a trick I learned to get rid of the ringing.
I placed my palms over my ears with my fingers pointing towards the back of my head. I press down on my palms and drum on my head with my fingers. The ringing goes away.
I kept telling myself “It’s too late, no cold shower today, we’ll do it tomorrow. I did it anyway.
Times were 115>140, 133>200, 140>230, 140>230
There was a lot of strobing lights in my vision, I felt light headed and my ears were ringing very loud to the point where I couldn’t hear the lesson by Wim. I did a trick I learned to get rid of the ringing.
I placed my palms over my ears with my fingers pointing towards the back of my head. I press down on my palms and drum on my head with my fingers. The ringing goes away.
I kept telling myself “It’s too late, no cold shower today, we’ll do it tomorrow. I did it anyway.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Week 3 - Day 2
Times today were 140 > 225, 157 > 246, 200> 300, 145>245
I felt tingling in the hands, did pushups after exhaling this time instead of holding the breath. I did 40 extremely powerful, explosive complete pushups.
Still afraid of over doing it and fainting as I’ve heard some people have had this happen to them.
Cold showering is getting easier
I felt tingling in the hands, did pushups after exhaling this time instead of holding the breath. I did 40 extremely powerful, explosive complete pushups.
Still afraid of over doing it and fainting as I’ve heard some people have had this happen to them.
Cold showering is getting easier
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Week 3 - Day 1 - 'Seeing the light(s)'
Over the weekend I was asked by a friend "What affect do you think it is having over you?".
I started rambling and took the time to consider how I've felt before I started, how I feel during the practice, after, and to the current day.
I replied "I am becoming more in tune with What I am, as opposed to Who I am."
In other words, all the drama involved in being me has seemed to not be as seductive as it once was before starting the program.
I am feeling more and more as if I am not 'John' or any other relationship based label I hold in my life, more so I am a human being/animal/being on the earth. 'John' is just the title someone gave the movie which is my day to day life, at this moment in time and space.
While I've come to understand this intuitively while I'm sitting in meditation, in moments of reflection or in solitude, it has never 'become me'. I have always easily fell back into being 'John' after a few minutes of my life's routine.
The more I practice Wim's method, it seems as if it is easier to not get caught up in my life's drama and I am able to rest in the ultimate reality of What I am, as opposed to Who. Even when I was a regular meditation practice it did not come this easy.
I recall that this transformation was earlier described by Wim. Paraphrasing of course, the breathing practices results in toxins leave the body, and the vein highway strengthen due to the cold showers. As a result, the heart works less, resulting in less stress hormone releasing into the body. Less stress hormone in the body results in less anxiety, resulting in improved presence and mental clarity. Some have cited cold may be a 'cure for anxiety'. Knowing people with anxiety I wouldn't try to play that tune just yet, but it has seemed to help me in this area.
I know that my heart rate has definitely improved over the last couple of weeks in rest and in exercise.
I feel more balanced and not always in my head. I feel fearless, energized, resilient and confident.
The other day I found myself staring at my hands, moving them around in complete awe of the ability of the magic of being alive, wondering "How did I get 'in' here?"(my body).
Diving deep into the rabbit hole of such thinking used to give me anxiety and/or a feeling of disassociation.
So starting week 3, it is advised to do a few more breathing rounds, pushups, and no stretching or exercises after, and ten minutes of meditation. I was looking forward to stretching as my flexibility has improved 30% in the provided stretches.
Wim says that now since the nervous system has starting to clean itself through the breathing, we should be able to 'see lights', which is explained as either being the nervous system or a combination of that and the pineal gland chakra.
Times were better as now I'm doing the exercises in the morning.
130-200, 200-245, 210-250, 215-300, 40 pushups as I'm still pretty sore.
After this I did the advised ten minutes of meditation (where I kept having to remind myself to forgo expectations of seeing lights in order to go deep) where you are to focus your awareness on the center of your forehead.
After a few minutes I did see a strobe light in my vision.
I thought maybe it was just my eyes doing something weird, so I poked at the corners of my eyes to ensure that this light was not emanating from the range of my eye sight.
Much to my delight it wasn't coming from my eyes. The stroboscopic light was actually coming from the middle of my forehead, out of the range of my eyesight. I felt very peaceful and content. "It's really happening".
I'm now finding myself attached to the development in this area as opposed to the breathing and showers as those practices are on a slow incline.
This week it is asked that the cold shower time is extended which is easily manageable and it becomes less of a mental ordeal, and has become more of a 'lets get this over with' mindset as opposed to having such a strong aversion.
I started rambling and took the time to consider how I've felt before I started, how I feel during the practice, after, and to the current day.
I replied "I am becoming more in tune with What I am, as opposed to Who I am."
In other words, all the drama involved in being me has seemed to not be as seductive as it once was before starting the program.
I am feeling more and more as if I am not 'John' or any other relationship based label I hold in my life, more so I am a human being/animal/being on the earth. 'John' is just the title someone gave the movie which is my day to day life, at this moment in time and space.
While I've come to understand this intuitively while I'm sitting in meditation, in moments of reflection or in solitude, it has never 'become me'. I have always easily fell back into being 'John' after a few minutes of my life's routine.
The more I practice Wim's method, it seems as if it is easier to not get caught up in my life's drama and I am able to rest in the ultimate reality of What I am, as opposed to Who. Even when I was a regular meditation practice it did not come this easy.
I recall that this transformation was earlier described by Wim. Paraphrasing of course, the breathing practices results in toxins leave the body, and the vein highway strengthen due to the cold showers. As a result, the heart works less, resulting in less stress hormone releasing into the body. Less stress hormone in the body results in less anxiety, resulting in improved presence and mental clarity. Some have cited cold may be a 'cure for anxiety'. Knowing people with anxiety I wouldn't try to play that tune just yet, but it has seemed to help me in this area.
I know that my heart rate has definitely improved over the last couple of weeks in rest and in exercise.
I feel more balanced and not always in my head. I feel fearless, energized, resilient and confident.
The other day I found myself staring at my hands, moving them around in complete awe of the ability of the magic of being alive, wondering "How did I get 'in' here?"(my body).
Diving deep into the rabbit hole of such thinking used to give me anxiety and/or a feeling of disassociation.
So starting week 3, it is advised to do a few more breathing rounds, pushups, and no stretching or exercises after, and ten minutes of meditation. I was looking forward to stretching as my flexibility has improved 30% in the provided stretches.
Wim says that now since the nervous system has starting to clean itself through the breathing, we should be able to 'see lights', which is explained as either being the nervous system or a combination of that and the pineal gland chakra.
Times were better as now I'm doing the exercises in the morning.
130-200, 200-245, 210-250, 215-300, 40 pushups as I'm still pretty sore.
After this I did the advised ten minutes of meditation (where I kept having to remind myself to forgo expectations of seeing lights in order to go deep) where you are to focus your awareness on the center of your forehead.
After a few minutes I did see a strobe light in my vision.
I thought maybe it was just my eyes doing something weird, so I poked at the corners of my eyes to ensure that this light was not emanating from the range of my eye sight.
Much to my delight it wasn't coming from my eyes. The stroboscopic light was actually coming from the middle of my forehead, out of the range of my eyesight. I felt very peaceful and content. "It's really happening".
I'm now finding myself attached to the development in this area as opposed to the breathing and showers as those practices are on a slow incline.
This week it is asked that the cold shower time is extended which is easily manageable and it becomes less of a mental ordeal, and has become more of a 'lets get this over with' mindset as opposed to having such a strong aversion.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Week 2 - 'Day 8'
Since I missed the cold shower that one day I decided to add an extra day onto the 'week'.
I've decided to now make myself get up earlier and do it in the morning on an empty stomach and a way to start my day a bit more energized.
My retention times are also better this week in terms of holding the breath before inhaling again and holding. While I'm still not getting to where I would like as the PH of the blood rises after holding the breath for a minute and a half, I'm still above this.
Times in total (which I forgot to mention will now include the time I held the breath, as well as the time after when I've taken another breath and held it) were
1:30->2:30
2:00->2:30
1:55->2:10
I did around 50 pushups afterwards on round 5, I sort of lost count.
I've decided to now make myself get up earlier and do it in the morning on an empty stomach and a way to start my day a bit more energized.
My retention times are also better this week in terms of holding the breath before inhaling again and holding. While I'm still not getting to where I would like as the PH of the blood rises after holding the breath for a minute and a half, I'm still above this.
Times in total (which I forgot to mention will now include the time I held the breath, as well as the time after when I've taken another breath and held it) were
1:30->2:30
2:00->2:30
1:55->2:10
I did around 50 pushups afterwards on round 5, I sort of lost count.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Week 2- Day 7
By the time I actually got around to doing my exercises it was 12:40 in the morning, so I decided to forgo the cold shower as I was dead tired.
Times were low after a big meal.
2:00, 220, 230 (but held breath times were poorer)
I've been trying out 'letting go' of the breath vs exhaling. Just letting the breath come out instead of pushing it out half way. Mixed results so far.
My joints felt lubricated after round 3 and I stopped at 60 pushups.
Times were low after a big meal.
2:00, 220, 230 (but held breath times were poorer)
I've been trying out 'letting go' of the breath vs exhaling. Just letting the breath come out instead of pushing it out half way. Mixed results so far.
My joints felt lubricated after round 3 and I stopped at 60 pushups.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Week 2 - Day 6
Times were 230, 230 and 216
There was extreme ringing in my ears followed by dead air after round two that subsided after a few minutes.
I felt natural, charged, and alive.
Everything else went as expected, showers are becoming a bit easier every day to get through.
Week 2 - Day 5
Today I tried sitting with upright posture in my lower back, adjusting my breathing so its two seconds on the in-breath and two seconds on the out-breath, taking more than 30 breaths (more towards 50) and it is working a lot better.
My retention times were 2:03, 2:19, 3:00
Afterwards on 'round 4' my push-ups were awful just because I've been doing them every day so far on top of training jiu jitsu, which means my pecs and triceps are killing me. I stopped at 40.
I did the exercises after jiu jitsu at 9pm with no food, and it made everything so much easier.
I felt bulletproof going into that cold shower, the warm was meh, and going back to cold is as if nothing even changes.
I definitely think having an empty stomach helped a lot with entering the cold shower as my body is not spending energy digesting food.
My retention times were 2:03, 2:19, 3:00
Afterwards on 'round 4' my push-ups were awful just because I've been doing them every day so far on top of training jiu jitsu, which means my pecs and triceps are killing me. I stopped at 40.
I did the exercises after jiu jitsu at 9pm with no food, and it made everything so much easier.
I felt bulletproof going into that cold shower, the warm was meh, and going back to cold is as if nothing even changes.
I definitely think having an empty stomach helped a lot with entering the cold shower as my body is not spending energy digesting food.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Week 2 - Day 4
I remember when I was younger wondering
I think I’m starting to figure that out outside of scientific reasoning and taking into account the concept of self-awareness.
After review of today, I wasn’t happy with my retention times, but I think part of the problem is that im eating/drinking coffee then 45minutes to an hour later doing the exercise as opposed to being on an empty stomach. I’ll try that out tomorrow.
I also noticed my lower back posture is not upright. I’ll make that change tomorrow.
Times were 150, 155, 207 and I did 69 pushups on ‘round 4’, elbows in.
Afterwards something weird happened in the shower. I went in, started the cold, and after a few minutes my hands started cramping to the point where it was difficult to open them.
I asked online about this and someone added I may have just been dehydrated. I was drinking coffee before starting, so that was likely the case.
Getting into the cold shower is easier and easier with focus, breathing, and I feel more able to calm the mind after each passing day.
"How do animals in winter deal with the cold? Do they actually experience cold and it doesn't bother them, or does it bother them but they hover just around the point of dying”
I think I’m starting to figure that out outside of scientific reasoning and taking into account the concept of self-awareness.
After review of today, I wasn’t happy with my retention times, but I think part of the problem is that im eating/drinking coffee then 45minutes to an hour later doing the exercise as opposed to being on an empty stomach. I’ll try that out tomorrow.
I also noticed my lower back posture is not upright. I’ll make that change tomorrow.
Times were 150, 155, 207 and I did 69 pushups on ‘round 4’, elbows in.
Afterwards something weird happened in the shower. I went in, started the cold, and after a few minutes my hands started cramping to the point where it was difficult to open them.
I asked online about this and someone added I may have just been dehydrated. I was drinking coffee before starting, so that was likely the case.
Getting into the cold shower is easier and easier with focus, breathing, and I feel more able to calm the mind after each passing day.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Week 2 - Day 3
Today my head hurt and my back was tight from training.
I’ve been ‘playing around’ with the breathing, postures, etc.
Times were 1:40, 2:15 (ears started ringing very loud), 2:15 – ears still ringing.
Now I had to do pushups and I kept my elbows inside instead of out, and to my surprise the results were a lot better, having done 60.
The cold shower was much to be expected. Terrible, but it is getting easier.
I’ve been ‘playing around’ with the breathing, postures, etc.
Times were 1:40, 2:15 (ears started ringing very loud), 2:15 – ears still ringing.
Now I had to do pushups and I kept my elbows inside instead of out, and to my surprise the results were a lot better, having done 60.
The cold shower was much to be expected. Terrible, but it is getting easier.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Week 2 - Day 2
I'm starting to really experience some amazing things.
Times were 2:03, 2:55, 2:00. Again, I think my tight chest and back is restricting my airflow.
Then came entering the cold shower. I stood there focusing on it before entering, every so often touching the water to remind myself how cold it was.
After a few minutes I just entered and it was awful... but once I got used to it to the point where I was completely covered, it put me into an extremely high meditation.
This might sound a bit 'far out' to someone with a bit more judgmental mind, but this is how I would describe it;
The cold didn't feel 'cold' anymore. It didn't feel like anything. My body's receptors of what was pleasurable and un-pleasurable had fallen by the wayside. I felt for maybe the first time in my life that I was in sync with my body. I entered a deep meditation trance where my mind was completely calm and I was extremely present. Even when I had a daily meditation practice I had never felt this present before.
The experience is what I imagine people experience in the last moments of their life when they are about to die of hypothermia or trapped under ice. Just blissful awareness, complete presence without the pestering mind. The self or any inclination of selfishness is gone. It just 'is'.
When I switched back to the hot shower, which I normally enjoy or experience pleasure from, there was no pleasure. It was literally like my body and mind could not perform a connection between good or bad, pleasurable and un-pleasurable. Surprisingly to myself, I wanted back in the cold as quickly as I could.
I went back into the cold and it didn't affect me at all. I felt like a 'master' of the cold, my body and my mind. It was a liberating experience.
Times were 2:03, 2:55, 2:00. Again, I think my tight chest and back is restricting my airflow.
Then came entering the cold shower. I stood there focusing on it before entering, every so often touching the water to remind myself how cold it was.
After a few minutes I just entered and it was awful... but once I got used to it to the point where I was completely covered, it put me into an extremely high meditation.
This might sound a bit 'far out' to someone with a bit more judgmental mind, but this is how I would describe it;
The cold didn't feel 'cold' anymore. It didn't feel like anything. My body's receptors of what was pleasurable and un-pleasurable had fallen by the wayside. I felt for maybe the first time in my life that I was in sync with my body. I entered a deep meditation trance where my mind was completely calm and I was extremely present. Even when I had a daily meditation practice I had never felt this present before.
The experience is what I imagine people experience in the last moments of their life when they are about to die of hypothermia or trapped under ice. Just blissful awareness, complete presence without the pestering mind. The self or any inclination of selfishness is gone. It just 'is'.
When I switched back to the hot shower, which I normally enjoy or experience pleasure from, there was no pleasure. It was literally like my body and mind could not perform a connection between good or bad, pleasurable and un-pleasurable. Surprisingly to myself, I wanted back in the cold as quickly as I could.
I went back into the cold and it didn't affect me at all. I felt like a 'master' of the cold, my body and my mind. It was a liberating experience.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Week 2 - Day 1
So this week the practice becomes a bit more intense with more exercises. Also you are supposed to START with a cold shower, have a hot shower, and end with a cold shower.
Times 1:30, 2:15, 3;00.
I'm laying down during my breathing and I'm noticing because of my tight chest and back from jiu jitsu I'm not able to take a whole lot of air in, or at least not as much as I would like. This makes me want to get into a decent yoga practice.
I'm also wondering how not having the best hydration, being caffeinated, and doing the practice at night after jiu jitsu is playing into my results.
Starting with the cold shower was daunting. It was like I was starting all over again.
I had to stand and focus on the shower. Every so often I would stick my hand in and think "God, I am STARTING to take a shower that is THIS cold?"
I got it done though.
When finishing with the cold shower, it's nothing. It doesn't even really affect me which is interesting considering how much trouble I had with it originally.
Times 1:30, 2:15, 3;00.
I'm laying down during my breathing and I'm noticing because of my tight chest and back from jiu jitsu I'm not able to take a whole lot of air in, or at least not as much as I would like. This makes me want to get into a decent yoga practice.
I'm also wondering how not having the best hydration, being caffeinated, and doing the practice at night after jiu jitsu is playing into my results.
Starting with the cold shower was daunting. It was like I was starting all over again.
I had to stand and focus on the shower. Every so often I would stick my hand in and think "God, I am STARTING to take a shower that is THIS cold?"
I got it done though.
When finishing with the cold shower, it's nothing. It doesn't even really affect me which is interesting considering how much trouble I had with it originally.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Week 1 - Day 8
Since I missed the cold shower one day I decided to stay another day on week one.
Times: 1:30, 2:20, 2:20
The interesting thing is that the cold shower is getting easier and easier, and when the cold water hits me, I can feel my core immediately closing off to help store the energy in my body. Fascinating stuff.
I'm also feeling myself getting much more flexible in the stretches given.
Times: 1:30, 2:20, 2:20
The interesting thing is that the cold shower is getting easier and easier, and when the cold water hits me, I can feel my core immediately closing off to help store the energy in my body. Fascinating stuff.
I'm also feeling myself getting much more flexible in the stretches given.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Week 1 - Day 7
I decided to take it a bit easier on myself by being more 'natural' during the breathing.
I would breathe in slower instead of forcing it in. In the days before I was going decently fast and filling my lungs to 100% capacity. I believe this was causing discomfort to my chest, throat and abdomen.
This time I was laying down, knees up, and I took an extra second to breathe in, compensated by taking more breaths, and filled my lungs to 95%? capacity.
My times were 1:45, 2:35, 2:30. It felt a lot more relaxing, natural, and in the flow of things. It felt much better.
I am definitely getting more flexible in my legs which is great.
Afterwards I had my cold shower and what I am enjoying is that it is less and less of a shock. It almost doesn't even register now. The back is a bit uncomfortable but it is getting easier and easier.
I felt really good afterwards.
I had a look at what next week has in store for me and it seems like quite the upgrade. I think I'll do this one more day before I head into the 'week 2' practice.
I would breathe in slower instead of forcing it in. In the days before I was going decently fast and filling my lungs to 100% capacity. I believe this was causing discomfort to my chest, throat and abdomen.
This time I was laying down, knees up, and I took an extra second to breathe in, compensated by taking more breaths, and filled my lungs to 95%? capacity.
My times were 1:45, 2:35, 2:30. It felt a lot more relaxing, natural, and in the flow of things. It felt much better.
I am definitely getting more flexible in my legs which is great.
Afterwards I had my cold shower and what I am enjoying is that it is less and less of a shock. It almost doesn't even register now. The back is a bit uncomfortable but it is getting easier and easier.
I felt really good afterwards.
I had a look at what next week has in store for me and it seems like quite the upgrade. I think I'll do this one more day before I head into the 'week 2' practice.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Week 1 - Day 6
I ended up going out to eat after training today and didn’t get around to doing my breathing exercises until 11pm. Not a good time to trying to focus and re-energize. I really need to switch over to a morning practice which would require getting up early, which I'm terrible at.
I went to the doctor for something unrelated earlier in the day (or maybe it is related?) and when checking my throat, asked me if I was feeling sick because it was very inflamed.
When I laid down to do my breathing with my head was pounding. Back too tight, too much coffee, not enough water. I get like this probably once a month due issues with poor posture and training.
After every round I felt as if I was getting sicker and sicker, my throat and nose closing. 1:30, 2:35, 2:30.
It felt exhausting to continue.
I decided to forgo the cold shower, took an Aleve, had a warm shower and went to bed.
I asked the Wim Hof group online about how I was feeling (Nose and throat closing) and they again said it’s very normal for people to get sick in the beginning of the practice. In addition, they added that if I didn’t feel up to it, to stop the cold showers until I felt better.
I went to the doctor for something unrelated earlier in the day (or maybe it is related?) and when checking my throat, asked me if I was feeling sick because it was very inflamed.
When I laid down to do my breathing with my head was pounding. Back too tight, too much coffee, not enough water. I get like this probably once a month due issues with poor posture and training.
After every round I felt as if I was getting sicker and sicker, my throat and nose closing. 1:30, 2:35, 2:30.
It felt exhausting to continue.
I decided to forgo the cold shower, took an Aleve, had a warm shower and went to bed.
I asked the Wim Hof group online about how I was feeling (Nose and throat closing) and they again said it’s very normal for people to get sick in the beginning of the practice. In addition, they added that if I didn’t feel up to it, to stop the cold showers until I felt better.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Week 1 - Day 5
Today was the most intense experience thus far.
I played some music during the breaths and stretching because I found that I was taking things a bit too seriously and was losing out on it being fun and relaxing. Plus I don't want to be trying to 'force' things to happen.
This time I decided to do all of the rounds laying down and hit times of 1:50, 2:31, and 2:36. The experience was much the same as before, except this time I had tingling in my thighs, hands, wrists, forearms, and chest. I was going to go try for a 4th round, but I felt so fully charged or energized afterwards that it didn't feel worth it.
I felt a bit twitchy, high, and it was difficult to write things down. I did the suggested stretching and added a few of my own. Much to my surprise certain parts of my body were able to stretch further than they have for a few years now. During the stretching and afterwards I definitely felt more high/energized/high than I ever have before.
Still floating around, I went into the shower and when the cold hit me the reaction wasn't as strong. In a matter of seconds this time the cold turned to warmth and after a bit of adjustment I was able to put my entire back in the cold shower as I kept my breathing in check.
While in the shower the experience felt amazing and I kept feeling higher and higher, almost like I was on methamphetamine's or ecstasy/MDMA. The more I covered my entire body with the cold shower, the more intense it would get.
It continued to get more intense and my vision started to vibrate and while it was bliss, it felt like there was no limit to how high I would get. I still have a fear I may faint and hurt myself, so I ended the shower after a few minutes.
I played some music during the breaths and stretching because I found that I was taking things a bit too seriously and was losing out on it being fun and relaxing. Plus I don't want to be trying to 'force' things to happen.
This time I decided to do all of the rounds laying down and hit times of 1:50, 2:31, and 2:36. The experience was much the same as before, except this time I had tingling in my thighs, hands, wrists, forearms, and chest. I was going to go try for a 4th round, but I felt so fully charged or energized afterwards that it didn't feel worth it.
I felt a bit twitchy, high, and it was difficult to write things down. I did the suggested stretching and added a few of my own. Much to my surprise certain parts of my body were able to stretch further than they have for a few years now. During the stretching and afterwards I definitely felt more high/energized/high than I ever have before.
Still floating around, I went into the shower and when the cold hit me the reaction wasn't as strong. In a matter of seconds this time the cold turned to warmth and after a bit of adjustment I was able to put my entire back in the cold shower as I kept my breathing in check.
While in the shower the experience felt amazing and I kept feeling higher and higher, almost like I was on methamphetamine's or ecstasy/MDMA. The more I covered my entire body with the cold shower, the more intense it would get.
It continued to get more intense and my vision started to vibrate and while it was bliss, it felt like there was no limit to how high I would get. I still have a fear I may faint and hurt myself, so I ended the shower after a few minutes.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Week 1 - Day 4
Today I noticed that my throat was very swollen and it was difficult to swallow. I wasn't sure what it was really. I thought I might be getting sick but I'm showing no other signs of illness. I remembered during the first 3 days of practice when I inhaled I did so forcefully and my throat would burn on every in breath. I wondered if somehow I caused inflammation in my throat this way or if this is my immune system starting to decline due to the changes in my body. I have noticed I need a LOT more water than normal.
Later I ate and drank a lot of water and it mostly went away.
So far during the practice I have been sitting down with my back supported instead of laying down. On my third round, a bit concerned that my times were lower today (something Wim assures you is OK) I decided to lay down to see if that would help.
Times were 1:30, 1:54, 2:35.
While I'm retaining and later when I take that final in breath to end the round, I'm closing my eyes and focusing on the energy that is inside of my body. To my surprise, my awareness is able to manipulate that energy a bit. I believe this is the beginning of something great.
My ears began ringing lightly in the first round and continued to intensify as I continued into the later rounds. I found while focusing my awareness, I was able to control how much ringing was going on by focusing on my head to intensify it, or moving my awareness down towards my stomach would make it go away.
It was an interesting experience and from the hints I'm getting from other people a bit further ahead of me in the program, I believe this plays a big part in the upcoming weeks.
When I did the stretching afterwards my chest hurt during my in breath, but I believed it to be from tight muscles from yesterdays training.
After everything was finished, I felt extremely light and high which lasted longer than the previous times. I think I felt this way for a good 10-15 minutes.
Later I had my shower and felt in the zone as opposed to preoccupied with anxiety surrounding the cold water to come. I focused, shut off the hot and stood there waited for it to hit me. It's REALLY cold, too. I would be curious to see what a thermometer would read it as.
It still sucked, but this time I was able to take a lot more and played around with holding my breath while in the water. I put a good majority of it on my back but I don't think I'm at a point yet in my concentration where I could withstand turning my back completely to the cold water instead of doing half and half. I have had ice baths before after training to improve recovery time, and yet something about the way the water hits you in a shower feels different (worse) than submerging into a bath tub.
I am already very excited to check out what week two has to offer me. I have stopped my regular meditation practice during this time and I think I need to make more of an effort to resume it as I have a strong desire for going deeper inside myself.
Later I ate and drank a lot of water and it mostly went away.
So far during the practice I have been sitting down with my back supported instead of laying down. On my third round, a bit concerned that my times were lower today (something Wim assures you is OK) I decided to lay down to see if that would help.
Times were 1:30, 1:54, 2:35.
While I'm retaining and later when I take that final in breath to end the round, I'm closing my eyes and focusing on the energy that is inside of my body. To my surprise, my awareness is able to manipulate that energy a bit. I believe this is the beginning of something great.
My ears began ringing lightly in the first round and continued to intensify as I continued into the later rounds. I found while focusing my awareness, I was able to control how much ringing was going on by focusing on my head to intensify it, or moving my awareness down towards my stomach would make it go away.
It was an interesting experience and from the hints I'm getting from other people a bit further ahead of me in the program, I believe this plays a big part in the upcoming weeks.
When I did the stretching afterwards my chest hurt during my in breath, but I believed it to be from tight muscles from yesterdays training.
After everything was finished, I felt extremely light and high which lasted longer than the previous times. I think I felt this way for a good 10-15 minutes.
Later I had my shower and felt in the zone as opposed to preoccupied with anxiety surrounding the cold water to come. I focused, shut off the hot and stood there waited for it to hit me. It's REALLY cold, too. I would be curious to see what a thermometer would read it as.
It still sucked, but this time I was able to take a lot more and played around with holding my breath while in the water. I put a good majority of it on my back but I don't think I'm at a point yet in my concentration where I could withstand turning my back completely to the cold water instead of doing half and half. I have had ice baths before after training to improve recovery time, and yet something about the way the water hits you in a shower feels different (worse) than submerging into a bath tub.
I am already very excited to check out what week two has to offer me. I have stopped my regular meditation practice during this time and I think I need to make more of an effort to resume it as I have a strong desire for going deeper inside myself.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Week 1 - Day 3
I feel great today.
I did the daily practice again. Times were 1:45, 2:01, 2:09.
On the last round my eyes were closed, the tingling in my body intensified, my ears started to ring and I saw a bit of a white light. I tried to focus on it, but it quickly went away.
Afterwards I tried to start my cold shower with my back facing it. The water was just too cold for me to be mentally stable enough to start on my back. I jumped out after a few seconds, and restarted it chest first.
I felt fairly disappointed, and want to challenge myself by on making sure my entire back is covered the next go around tomorrow.
I did the daily practice again. Times were 1:45, 2:01, 2:09.
On the last round my eyes were closed, the tingling in my body intensified, my ears started to ring and I saw a bit of a white light. I tried to focus on it, but it quickly went away.
Afterwards I tried to start my cold shower with my back facing it. The water was just too cold for me to be mentally stable enough to start on my back. I jumped out after a few seconds, and restarted it chest first.
I felt fairly disappointed, and want to challenge myself by on making sure my entire back is covered the next go around tomorrow.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Week 1 - Day 2
I started with the breathing exercises using both my mouth and nose to take in as much air as possible and was able to hold my breath longer. 2:01, 2:03, 2:05. I had a bit of anxiety when experiencing lightheadedness and my ears ringing, but I am growing to appreciate it as my body changing rather than something to fear.
This time I have been closing my eyes during the process to witness how my body is utilizing the extra oxygen and the energy that is surging through my body rather than sitting with my eyes open wondering if I am going to pass out. This proved to be a very calm and present experience.
I felt tingling through out my entire body, ringing in my ears, and after I felt amazing.
I went and had my warm shower and approached it as if I was waiting in a dentists office. I knew the cold was coming and I was not at all looking forward to it. I started my warm shower and after I was finished, tried to delay the inevitable. Eventually I came to terms with what was to come, focused myself, then shut off the hot and braced for impact.
It's terrible. I doubt it gets any better. I start with pointing the shower at my chest and once that becomes not such a shock, start moving it onto my shoulders and a bit on my back. After about 45 seconds I got out and felt amazing, present, and alive. I am looking forward to the weeks ahead.
Since I tend to have a bit of free time on my hands, I asked the WHM community if I could do the lesson more than once a day.
To my surprise, a member told me that I shouldn't rush it and just practice once a day because I could risk 'getting sick'. I asked what he meant by that, and was surprised by the answer. Here's the direct copy/paste of the reply I received from a few members.
In reply to that comment...
After which I was told to make sure to drink lots of water.
This time I have been closing my eyes during the process to witness how my body is utilizing the extra oxygen and the energy that is surging through my body rather than sitting with my eyes open wondering if I am going to pass out. This proved to be a very calm and present experience.
I felt tingling through out my entire body, ringing in my ears, and after I felt amazing.
I went and had my warm shower and approached it as if I was waiting in a dentists office. I knew the cold was coming and I was not at all looking forward to it. I started my warm shower and after I was finished, tried to delay the inevitable. Eventually I came to terms with what was to come, focused myself, then shut off the hot and braced for impact.
It's terrible. I doubt it gets any better. I start with pointing the shower at my chest and once that becomes not such a shock, start moving it onto my shoulders and a bit on my back. After about 45 seconds I got out and felt amazing, present, and alive. I am looking forward to the weeks ahead.
Since I tend to have a bit of free time on my hands, I asked the WHM community if I could do the lesson more than once a day.
To my surprise, a member told me that I shouldn't rush it and just practice once a day because I could risk 'getting sick'. I asked what he meant by that, and was surprised by the answer. Here's the direct copy/paste of the reply I received from a few members.
"it is (getting sick)something many of us experience around week 2-3... feels like a common cold. the second time i got asthma like symptoms, the third time all went well so dont worry"
In reply to that comment...
"I think what you might be experiencing is something the Buteyko method calls a "cleansing reaction" to your new breathing techniques. Here is an excerpt that explains it a little bit: "...The cleansing reactions are actually quite simple. Deep breathing disrupts the metabolic process in the cells, starving them of oxygen. The body then excretes beneficial salts - sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus - as it compensates for the increasingly alkaline environment. You’ll know how that movement towards alkalinity occurs, I’m sure.” The Doctor wrote down the chemical formula on a piece of paper and moved it over to Natalya. “Carbon dioxide dissolved in water is exactly the same thing as carbolic acid.” He jabbed a finger at the formula he had written. “And since deep breathing brings about a deficiency of carbon dioxide in the body, the inner environment naturally becomes more alkaline. Deep breathing distorts immune reactions since it leads to an accumulation in the body of partially oxidized metabolic compounds that cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with external allergens. When deep breathing is eliminated using the Method, the metabolic processes are normalized. The excretory organs work more efficiently, and that’s what leads to the body cleansing itself. In the majority of patients, cleansing reactions are observed through all possible channels: salivation increases, as does lachrymation and sweating; people experience head colds, the elimination of phlegm and so on. It’s a very beneficial process. But unfortunately it can be a bit painful. It’s actually like the patient’s illness re-run backwards."
After which I was told to make sure to drink lots of water.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Week 1 - Day 1
Let me just say that after reviewing the introduction information that Wim provides, I am glad that I decided to actually purchase the subscription for his site. He provides quite a bit of detail that is not necessarily addressed in any information I could find on-line.
It took me the better part of two hours to digest all of the information from cold showers (why, how), mental training, the breathing exercises (why, how) and stretching, or as he calls it 'winter yoga' (why, how).
Out of Respect for Wim, I won't divulge too many details about the system or what the first week of practice involves, but it is reassuring to have a program to follow.
The first day of the actual training I was able to hold my breath for 1:25, 1:30, 1:45.
Afterwards I felt great and finished with a cold shower. I was able to stand being in the cold shower for about 30 seconds before I called it a day.
It took me the better part of two hours to digest all of the information from cold showers (why, how), mental training, the breathing exercises (why, how) and stretching, or as he calls it 'winter yoga' (why, how).
Out of Respect for Wim, I won't divulge too many details about the system or what the first week of practice involves, but it is reassuring to have a program to follow.
The first day of the actual training I was able to hold my breath for 1:25, 1:30, 1:45.
Afterwards I felt great and finished with a cold shower. I was able to stand being in the cold shower for about 30 seconds before I called it a day.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Introduction
Hello Earthlings.
I have decided to create a blog to track my progress with the 'Wim Hof Method'.
For anyone that doesn't know or can't find the time to watch the Vice documentary on him, Wim Hof has been able to accomplish amazing tasks that science believed was impossible for the human body to endure. Just a few of his feats include setting a world record by staying up to his neck in ice for two hours with no change in his core body temperature, climbing mount Everest in just boots and shorts, and running a half marathon in the desert with no water and no change to his core body temperature.
Wim has also shown the ability to suppress his immune system when studied by scientists following an injection that should have made him violently ill. He later went on to prove that he can train people to do the same not only in this experiment, but also by leading group expeditions to the top of mountains in just their boots and shorts after four days of training.
Over the last four years I have had experience with different types of meditation and altered states of consciousness which tuned me into a different way of seeing the world. I like to believe I have become a much better person following these experiences, and after watching Vice's documentary on Wim, I was intrigued and inspired.
However life continued to go by and Wim's story was soon forgotten as I was just not at a place in my life at that time to venture back inside myself. I was busy being busy and couldn't justify spending $200 to purchase his information.
Near the end of September I started getting back into a daily meditation practice and I heard that Wim was going to be on the Joe Rogan Podcast. I was excited and spent the next day (im)patiently waiting for it to be uploaded to YouTube. I found myself once again captivated by Wim's story and charisma, and was at a point in my life where I was open and willing to experiment.
The following day I read and watched everything I could on Wim hoping to somehow learn his method for free. While I do think that a man's life's work, especially with the implications Wim is proving in science, is worth much more than what he is asking for it, I wanted it easy.
I gathered what I could and that night sat down and performed Wim's breathing method. On the first 'round' the lightheadedness made me very anxious and my entire body was heating up and sweating. The second round proved more intense, my entire body was tingling and it was as if I could feel my entire nervous system.
I had no sort of strategy on how many times I should be doing the exercises, and after every round since this is a new practice I was afraid I might pass out from lack of oxygen. On the last round my ears started ringing extremely loud and it was a bit scary for me because any time in my life that my ears have rang in such a way, it was during a negative experience.
The ringing subsided after a few minutes and afterwards I had a warm shower and when I thought I was ready, I cut the hot water completely and waited for the cold to hit me.
The cold water made me gasp and I started hyperventilating, choking, and didn't last longer than a few seconds. I knew that this wasn't going to be easy on my own, especially since all my life I have done whatever it has taken to avoid the cold.
That night I joined Wim's facebook group to ask about the buzzing in my ears and to my relief everyone said it was completely normal with one member noting it was due to increased adrenaline.
The next day I danced back and forth with the decision of subscribing to his pay service, and after searching online I was able to find a 25% off coupon. I started thinking about how I have easily spent hundreds of dollars on things that have added little to my life and thought about how much this could do for me, especially in terms of improving my athletic performance and having better control on my mind. Finally I subscribed in fear the coupon might disappear.
The practice starts tomorrow and I am excited to have something new to partake in.
I have decided to create a blog to track my progress with the 'Wim Hof Method'.
For anyone that doesn't know or can't find the time to watch the Vice documentary on him, Wim Hof has been able to accomplish amazing tasks that science believed was impossible for the human body to endure. Just a few of his feats include setting a world record by staying up to his neck in ice for two hours with no change in his core body temperature, climbing mount Everest in just boots and shorts, and running a half marathon in the desert with no water and no change to his core body temperature.
Wim has also shown the ability to suppress his immune system when studied by scientists following an injection that should have made him violently ill. He later went on to prove that he can train people to do the same not only in this experiment, but also by leading group expeditions to the top of mountains in just their boots and shorts after four days of training.
Over the last four years I have had experience with different types of meditation and altered states of consciousness which tuned me into a different way of seeing the world. I like to believe I have become a much better person following these experiences, and after watching Vice's documentary on Wim, I was intrigued and inspired.
However life continued to go by and Wim's story was soon forgotten as I was just not at a place in my life at that time to venture back inside myself. I was busy being busy and couldn't justify spending $200 to purchase his information.
Near the end of September I started getting back into a daily meditation practice and I heard that Wim was going to be on the Joe Rogan Podcast. I was excited and spent the next day (im)patiently waiting for it to be uploaded to YouTube. I found myself once again captivated by Wim's story and charisma, and was at a point in my life where I was open and willing to experiment.
The following day I read and watched everything I could on Wim hoping to somehow learn his method for free. While I do think that a man's life's work, especially with the implications Wim is proving in science, is worth much more than what he is asking for it, I wanted it easy.
I gathered what I could and that night sat down and performed Wim's breathing method. On the first 'round' the lightheadedness made me very anxious and my entire body was heating up and sweating. The second round proved more intense, my entire body was tingling and it was as if I could feel my entire nervous system.
I had no sort of strategy on how many times I should be doing the exercises, and after every round since this is a new practice I was afraid I might pass out from lack of oxygen. On the last round my ears started ringing extremely loud and it was a bit scary for me because any time in my life that my ears have rang in such a way, it was during a negative experience.
The ringing subsided after a few minutes and afterwards I had a warm shower and when I thought I was ready, I cut the hot water completely and waited for the cold to hit me.
The cold water made me gasp and I started hyperventilating, choking, and didn't last longer than a few seconds. I knew that this wasn't going to be easy on my own, especially since all my life I have done whatever it has taken to avoid the cold.
That night I joined Wim's facebook group to ask about the buzzing in my ears and to my relief everyone said it was completely normal with one member noting it was due to increased adrenaline.
The next day I danced back and forth with the decision of subscribing to his pay service, and after searching online I was able to find a 25% off coupon. I started thinking about how I have easily spent hundreds of dollars on things that have added little to my life and thought about how much this could do for me, especially in terms of improving my athletic performance and having better control on my mind. Finally I subscribed in fear the coupon might disappear.
The practice starts tomorrow and I am excited to have something new to partake in.
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