I have never been one to ever feel the need to purposely submerge myself in cold water.. it’s just uncomfortable and I’ve never felt that the benefits of cold immersion outweighed the insanely uncomfortable, freezing moments. But over the last couple of months as I’ve tried to train self-discipline and accountability to self in new ways, I’ve found an appreciation for the cold plunge. We hear the adages all the time: Don’t get too high and don’t get too low. Stay even keel. Relax. Chill the f* out. But how often are we put in positions to train our ability to accomplish this consistent calm? Oftentimes these adages are applied in uncomfortable or maybe even chaotic situations. And oftentimes these situations have relatively high stakes in our lives - we wouldn’t consider them “practice.” The best aspect of the cold plunge has been the ability to create familiarity with discomfort, and the intentional opportunity to train my response to that discomfort. When I’m cold as shit in the 45 degree tub, I breathe through it. I relax my body and my mind. And I stay in the water. Soon enough the discomfort ends and my 4.5 min plunge is complete. I’m hoping to continue to translate this approach to other facets of my life. When moments in life get uncomfortable - whether it be a life shift, a career change, an injury, a rocky relationship, a difficult conversation... Breathe through it. Relax the body and mind. And control your response.. knowing that this uncomfortable moment, just like all the others, shall pass. 🦅🤞🏽