(Im)practical Disciplines: The Cold Shower

Help me with something…

I can’t decide on the title of my new blog series.

“Impractical Disciplines” or “Practical Disciplines”? An impractical discipline implies that the disciple itself is almost impossible, very inconvenient, and not worth your time unless you really, really want to try it. A practical discipline implies that the disciple itself is approachable, doable, and takes minimal effort on your part (you can start right now!).

It depends on the person to decide what kinds of disciplines are impractical or practical for them.

Let’s say the discipline of taking cold showers every day:

To some that is a very impractical thing to do; while the warmth of my bed wears off, I’m going to jump into a shower of cold-ass water in the morning? Hell no. I might try it…but, like, if it was a challenge or dare.

To others that is very practical thing to do; a cold shower — even though it sucks at first — wakes me up, shocks the hell out my lungs and blood flow, and makes me feel soooo good when I get out. Plus, I can do it anytime I’m at home/gym.

For me, I take a cold shower right after I work out. I make the cold shower a practical thing because I am usually sweaty and hot. It’s literally a way to help me cool off. Impractically, I started taking cold showers the first thing in the morning. It’s so uncomfortable (an understatement) but I believe it’s good for me.

So why do this…

Well, I don’t want to write an entire list of health benefits ( I am not sure if they are true).

However I do believe that cold showers, like any discipline, allows me to be more tolerant and accepting of the uncomfortable. We are thrust into uncomfortable situations all the time; feelings of rejection, of loneliness, of awkwardness, of uncertainty arise during these moments. I try to perceive these emotions the same way I perceive that cold, terrible water. Painful and shocking at first. But tolerable as I keep doing and recognizing the process.

The more I jump in a cold shower, the more I am able to withstand the cold and be OKAY with it. And if I can be okay with something as visceral and physical as ice cold water…then I can be okay with feeling sad or lonely or rejected or uncertain.

Like emotions, a cold shower isn’t forever. That cold feeling will pass. And once I’m out of the shower, I feel really good.

Below are some Youtube links that speak to the benefits of cold showers (I highly recommend checking them out if you’re considering the practice):