09/25/2026
FOR YOUR CONTEMPLATION
~Managing the mind by running and cold plunges in the Atlantic~
After over two years of training mind and body for a fifty mile ultramarathon in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, scores of lessons were learned. The learning continues, and the profound lessons learned are now being integrated.
Among them is to focus on process, not the goal. Or not only the goal.
Here is one example: today’s cold plunge in the North Atlantic.
For those who suffer from depression, the mind requires constant care, nurturing.
The mind has been heavy and burdened since the 50 mile attempt in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. The body remains very tired and sluggish.
Turns out a type of depression arises after such an event. That’s because the regiment and practice that was dutifully followed-running, swimming, spinning, study, nutrition, diet, meditation, devotion to spiritual practice-falls away. A void now exists. And that poses a danger to the mind which used training as one way to manage depression.
This morning my heavy mind and body threw itself into these chilly waters. Of course they screamed protests all the way to the water’s edge.
But a proven practice requires a cold plunge to help lift the mind’s heavy burden and distortion.
And yes, it helped, as walking replaced shuffling on the return home. But that is one step of many. Mind management is a moment to moment to moment monitoring and action.
As important is compassion for one’s self when these moments arise. Too often I have been harsh with myself, thinking I should be better and do better. (Among the costs of a driven life from early childhood conditioning).
So, friends, treat all aspects of you with great care. And learn how to nourish each part of you.
We need all of you. So do you.
Peter Bromley
Applied wisdom from works in progress
