I love this essay! Your focus on the emotional/relational benefits of cold water swimming is a refreshing take. I’ve mostly read about medical benefits, like anxiety and inflammation reduction. I believe those takes, but yours here are much more compelling to me. The camaraderie — how could you not build strong ties from experiences like these!?
All the physical and mental tap benefits are true but I agree that the social part is likely the underpinning of it all. You definitely will find your tribe of lovely weirdos if you get into open water swimming. You can usually find local swim/dip groups on Facebook. 🤪
Pia, talk about diving into a challenge -- both the 60th year one and the perpetual one about writing about the essential and the personal so it matters for readers. There's a book chapter here (at least). Complimenti in spades.
This article is amazing . . . I feel so connected to the experience as I admire you from afar (not really), always enjoying those moments in the sauna, but now even more. I am lucky to tangentially be connected to this wonderful group of water women! Keep swimming and keep posting. I can only dream to accomplish half as much, but reading about it is a great way to engage vicariously! Thank you.
Amazing Pia!! I love those hats. What a joy to do this with your friend. While I dip in the ocean on the west coast in Canada and it’s cold, I wear booties and gloves so I can stay in longer. (Plus I’m walking in from the rocky shore, so feet need double protection.) I can’t imagine it at the freezing temp mark. And with no protection for your hands or feet! 😬 wow, wow, wow. 👏🎉 well done.
This is an amazing story. I am so glad to read the back story and context of all of it. I love the community and fun of getting up at dawn and plunging in. Sets the tone for the day alright.
You continue to be my spirit animal Pia. Yes yes yes to swimming because we still can.
❤️❤️❤️
I love this essay! Your focus on the emotional/relational benefits of cold water swimming is a refreshing take. I’ve mostly read about medical benefits, like anxiety and inflammation reduction. I believe those takes, but yours here are much more compelling to me. The camaraderie — how could you not build strong ties from experiences like these!?
All the physical and mental tap benefits are true but I agree that the social part is likely the underpinning of it all. You definitely will find your tribe of lovely weirdos if you get into open water swimming. You can usually find local swim/dip groups on Facebook. 🤪
Pia, talk about diving into a challenge -- both the 60th year one and the perpetual one about writing about the essential and the personal so it matters for readers. There's a book chapter here (at least). Complimenti in spades.
Grazie Fran 😊
PIA! ELAIN! CRISSA!
This article is amazing . . . I feel so connected to the experience as I admire you from afar (not really), always enjoying those moments in the sauna, but now even more. I am lucky to tangentially be connected to this wonderful group of water women! Keep swimming and keep posting. I can only dream to accomplish half as much, but reading about it is a great way to engage vicariously! Thank you.
Thank you Beth! Love the sauna time and always honored by your cheers ❤️
Amazing Pia!! I love those hats. What a joy to do this with your friend. While I dip in the ocean on the west coast in Canada and it’s cold, I wear booties and gloves so I can stay in longer. (Plus I’m walking in from the rocky shore, so feet need double protection.) I can’t imagine it at the freezing temp mark. And with no protection for your hands or feet! 😬 wow, wow, wow. 👏🎉 well done.
Thanks Kim! Canada water is 🥶. If I was doing it every day, I would definitely do booties and gloves.
This is an amazing story. I am so glad to read the back story and context of all of it. I love the community and fun of getting up at dawn and plunging in. Sets the tone for the day alright.
You are simply badass and inspiring.
Thanks Paula, back at you!
"Camaraderie is a magical courage tonic for me." Adore the hats. Feel like this whole sisterhood would make the most exquisite indie film.
Thanks Alisa ❤️ Sisterhood is what it’s all about ❤️
I can almost imagine the ice swim. Eight miles and five hours from Angel to Alcatraz are boggling.
Yeah, 30 seconds in 30 degrees is definitely a lot more doable but probably more dangerous than 5 hours in 63 degrees. 😂
You are beyond inspiration , a radiant light of life 💕
Awww, love you Sheila ❤️❤️❤️