“I wanted to prove to myself that I could experience the extreme discomfort… this simple practice has been the force that has propelled my growth.”

“Getting in the cold water feels new and different and magical every single time… every experience is different and every experience is perfect.”

“Instantly all the worries and future thoughts dissolve as the water envelops my body… watching the sunrise or clouds shifting reminds me of impermanence.”

“Now I know cold water can change people… it has become the most potent dose of ‘everything is going to be ok’ that I could give myself.”

“The pain I was experiencing was emotional pain from grief… dipping gives me the feeling that I am enough. That is what keeps me coming back.”

“Swimming in the icy water… has rewilded me. A quiet and reflective pre-dawn dip grounds me… a boisterous plunge reminds me I'm worthy of connection.”

“Last week, I swam in all 5 Great Lakes in one day… proud of the planning, proud of the doing. It was beautiful.”

“I stepped into that cold wintery water and there was a churning, an exhilaration, a thrill, a dare… I sought aliveness and it delivers.”

“What I hadn’t been able to imagine was that it would be spiritual… a channel changed, a fire lit. I am wild and spiritual and strong.”

“To step into the cold water we start a dance with our fear and self doubts… to step into the water with those we love…”