Lesson 1. Your journey starts here
We have lost our intrinsic ability to not only survive but thrive in difficult situations as humankind has evolved and developed technology that has made us more and more comfortable. Things we designed to make our lives simpler have actually made us weaker in the absence of external, environmental stress.
Wim Hof's system is founded on three simple, physiological pillars: cold exposure, ‘aware breathing’, and the power of the mind, which he has created and improved for nearly four decades. Hof asserts that he did not invent these techniques either. Cold exposure and conscious breathing have been practised for thousands of years. But these techniques, along with others you will learn in this insight, will make you sleep better, improve your cognitive and athletic performance, boost your mood, lose weight, and alleviate your anxiety, among other benefits.
You now have the key to a lifetime of good health and happiness. The Wim Hof Method can be safely practised, at your own speed, and in the privacy of your home. You don't need any medications, injections, vitamins, supplements, equipment, or special diets; all you need is yourself and a willingness to discover your body's hidden potential.
One of the first things recommended by Hof to begin this journey is to take a cold shower every day. Cold showers open the door to flow, vitality, and serenity. It's the starting point for learning how to use your mind to control your body. You will be able to command your vascular system to close up when you go into the cold if you take 10 days of cold showers following warm showers, meaning that you end your regular, warm showers with a minute or so of cold water. It's remarkable what your body can accomplish when given the opportunity, and all it takes is 10 days of these showers to reestablish your optimal vascular tone and gain control. As your vascular system awakens and muscles begin to tone, it establishes a link with your brain and willpower.
Furthermore, if you’re one of those people who feel cold all the time, do as follows:
- Sit down.
- Inhale slowly and deeply five or six times, letting your breath go naturally each time.
- Inhale fully.
- Relax to exhale.
- Inhale fully.
- Hold your breath, for no more than five seconds.
- Tense your upper-back muscles and chest while you hold your breath — but don’t tense the head. Keep your jaw relaxed.
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