A Winter Solstice Dip

Today is the shortest day of the year so I decided to start my day with a sunrise dip in the lake. This morning the air temp was 21 f, and the water temp is about 40 f. I was inspired by Paul Koepnick. Paul has been sunrise swimming in Lake Michigan for the last 500 days. I too have been swimming in Oconomowoc Lake through the seasons for over a year but I do not share Paul’s daily sunrise commitment. I swim most days but not every day. During the warmer days, I like to swim distance. Now that winter is officially here I will stick to just dips of 2-3 minutes. This fall the water temp dropped from 70 f to 40 f. I maintained swimming distance until the lake temperature dropped below 50. Then the after chill became too much for me and I have not yet made an investment in a wet suit. I swim indoors at Be Fitness’ resistance pool sometimes, though I am not a big fan of swimming indoors. I miss the changing vegetation on the bottom of the lake and looking for fish.

I swim for exercise but more than anything I swim to completely immerse myself in nature. I cold water swim for the lessons of quieting the mind and paying attention to my body to maintain my safety. It is a practice that reminds me of the value of easing in, not forcing. But more than anything my almost daily swims provide the time in my day to notice and connect to the beauty of nature that I know I would miss without this practice. My runs and walks at our local parks and on Beach Road can provide a similar connection but there is something about the immersion in the lake that makes it more impactful for me. I find my peace in the water. And I’ve just recently realized I always have. I have fond memories of my parents patiently waiting for me on many summer nights when I was the last kid swimming in the pool. So I will keep swimming.

I’m grateful I can share cold water dipping with some dear friends who value the cold water benefits as well. And I hope in time more and more people will join us! You can follow our adventures cold water swimming on Instagram at LakeCountryChiliDippers. There are so many physical and mental health benefits to cold water swimming. For me, the most significant benefits are; an immune system boost, increased energy, and enhanced focus. And there are of course risks going into cold water. People who have suffered a heart attack or are receiving treatment for heart issues should talk to their doctor first.

I started my cold water practice last fall inspired by Wim Hoff. This fall when my daughter left for college I turned to swimming in the lake to help me cope with the change. At that time I made a commitment to swim daily, that daily commitment did help give my swimming a new focus and energy. Since then I’ve been reflecting about how daily wellness commitments can also cause negative feelings. I lose all the benefits of a healthy lifestyle effort when I feel pressure and feelings of failure if I don’t do it daily. I have struggled with this same idea with my efforts to establish a daily meditation practice, walking the dogs every day, with daily journaling, practicing the piano every day, and writing daily. I have a long list of healthy habits I would like to be a daily part of my life but sometimes the days just aren’t long enough. And especially on this shortest day of the year I celebrate giving myself grace, for accepting what I can and can not do on any given day. I will still be motivated and try to do what I can but I am letting go of the negativity over what I can’t do in a day. I will commit to most days and give myself grace.

This holiday season I wish you peace and grace. Merry Christmas.