A large part of the work that I do, whether it’s my wellbeing through nature connection work or as a Wim Hof Method Instructor, is about holding space for my participants. The practices I offer can bring up all manner of emotions and it is for me to ensure that everyone feels seen, supported and heard. I want everyone to feel that they are in a safe space to just allow whatever to come in. From the feedback I’ve received from my many participants – it is that around holding space that touch my heart the most.
The first rule of the Wim Hof Method is there is no forcing. It’s not a challenge. It’s not a competition. Either you’ll get in the ice bath at the end of the session or you won’t. The choice is yours and yours alone. As the Instructor, I’m there to support you, whatever you decide to do.
The other week I fell down a Facebook rabbit hole and saw a post that the girlfriend of a fellow Wim Hof Method Instructor trying to encourage people to join his session. In the post she was goading people into it, challenging them, calling them a chicken if they didn’t and, I’ll be honest, I saw red. For his sake, I had to stop myself from responding (I used the block function instead). Such comments are damaging not only to the practice, but also to the Instructor holding the session. I cannot over emphasise enough – it is not a challenge or a competition. There is never any forcing.
In our role as the Instructor we need to demonstrate compassion towards our participants. I can remember all too well how it felt as I stood before my first ice bath. My anxiety levels went through the roof. Or they would have done if there was a roof to go through (we were outside in some woodland at the time). It was the instructor who calmed me down. Who empowered me to take that step into the cold. He believed in me. He held the space for me to go through whatever I needed to go through. And that has stayed with me.
Even when out in the forest I have witnessed all emotions come through those who have come along to a forest bathing session. Sometimes there’s joy. Sometimes it’s sadness that comes through – and again, all is welcome. I trust that the forest, my partner in the practice, is giving people exactly what they need in that moment – even if they don’t feel it there and then! I will hold that space to enable them to feel into whatever has come up.
I understand all too well the power of the practices that I offer. As I practice them myself I have laughed, I have cried, I’ve been given profound messages and at other times I’ve felt nothing. Whatever might (or might not) come up for you – know that I have you. I see you. I hear you. I am right beside you, supporting you 100%.
The Eco Monkey 