Ooh, hot damn, hot water, hot shower. - Chance The Rapper
The back door opened and blast of warm air gusted into Peet’s Coffee. Jesse Harless strode toward me and introduced himself.
Just a few days before, our mutual friend Marni, a radiant yoga instructor and kirtan leader, has said the following:
“You have to meet Jesse. He is a cold-shower expert.”
After hearing THAT, I had to learn more.
I did. And I want to share it with you.
I want to share a brief story about a guy who nearly went to Federal prison and who was saved … by extremely cold water.
Jesse
Addiction has perched itself on many branches in Jesse’s family tree.
His uncles and grandmother were alcoholics. So was his father, who left - never to return - when Jesse was only four. The pain of his Dad’s total absence sent shockwaves through Jesse’s life, resulting in years of low self-worth.
He began to do whatever he could to numb the psychological pain.
At 11, he discovered online gaming and porn. Drugs came next. Cocaine in his teens. And then heroin.
Years of addiction led - finally - to rock bottom when he found himself standing in front a federal judge. A charge of narcotics possession was looming.
When the judge gave him a chance, Jesse threw himself into recovery: journaling, 12-step programs, daily affirmations.
And although he got better, he still struggled with the gut-wrenching feelings of low self-worth.
Then, one day, a friend made a suggestion: try taking a cold shower every day for thirty days.
Skeptical (cold showers, really?), Jesse decided to give it a shot.
That first day, under the freezing water, he felt a rush of energy and excitement like he'd never experienced before:
“The water was so cold it took my breath away, and I was in shock for the first 30 to 60 seconds. I stayed in that cold shower for a full five minutes. I emerged, and would never be the same again.”
From then on, he took his cold shower every morning. And he learned that cold showers can provide huge benefits:
Boosting the immune system: Cold showers have been shown to increase the production of white blood cells which help to fight off infections and illness.
Improving circulation: Cold water constricts blood vessels which can help to improve circulation and increase oxygen delivery to the muscles.
Increasing energy: Cold showers have been shown to stimulate the nervous system, increasing energy levels and alertness.
Improving mood: Cold showers can activate the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals, leading to an improvement in mood and overall well-being.
That cold shower - day by day - changed Jesse’s life.
Now a world-renowned author, speaker and recovery expert, and Scare Your Soul Ambassador, Jesse shares the power of a single, brave act that we can all do.
Remember, Scare Your Soul is all about small acts of courage which lead to big gains in our lives.
We just need to smile, take a deep breath, and step right into the cold water.
This Week’s Challenge: A 3-Day Cold Shower Plan
This challenge is simple to do. But it will require your courage.
Day 1
Start with a hot shower. End with a 15-second burst of cold water.
Day 2
Start with a hot shower. End with a 30-second burst of cold water.
Day 3
Take a completely cold shower!
Wishing you bravery, my friend.
In courage,
Join us!
Wednesday, February 22 • 7:47 PM EST
Are you ready to take your gratitude to the next level and connect with like-minded individuals? This free, interactive and empowering event - led by Gratitude and Pasta’s Chris Schembra - is designed to help you tap into the power of gratitude and deepen your connection with others.