Hot-Cold Showers

I had this "plan" this morning to wake up in beautiful Missouri and go on a walk. Well, part of that plan came to fruition. I did manage to wake up in beautiful Missouri and I did put my walking shoes on, but when I reached the stream a few feet from the house....I couldn't go further. I just stopped and watched as the sun reflected the vibrant green trees around me...and then allowed myself to just sit and watch as the water flowed delicately past the big stones. I couldn't help but use the stream as the analogy of life, at least my life--for today. The water looked so relaxed and extremely adaptable that it had no problems getting around the big stones on it's mission--if it had any mission--to where it was headed. Not only did it gracefully go around the stones with no problem, but it almost seemed to invite the "obstacles" to help it along. Hmmm....I could use this!

I instantly felt at ease with my "derailed plan" and found even greater pleasure in taking those walking shoes off and wading in the chilled water. It was a clean and refreshing moment...and just perfect! After a few moments of letting the stream cleanse and rejuvenate me, I felt the inevitable warm Spring rain (that we expect in Missouri) begin to cleanse my face at the same time.
The incredible contrast of the cool water on my feet and the warm rain on my face is something beyond the simple words I could write here. I just couldn't want for more at that moment! What if I had walked on and missed this moment? Today, I would walk and act like water, adapting and flowing through any and all "obstacles" and "plans."
Maybe this was the plan all along?

This moment reminded me of the power of Hot-Cold showers--except this one was in nature and just perfectly divine! There's nothing like a Hot-Cold shower to wake up your cells, your skin, and your spirit! Try it, especially if you feel the onset of a cold or other illness.

The Recipe:
Towards the last 3 minutes of your shower turn the water to as hot as you can handle it (count to 15), then turn the water to as cold as you can handle it (count to 10).
Do this sequence 3x ALWAYS ending with the cold! Remember to breathe well while doing it.
See you how you feel after you get out and towel off, you may feel that you need no coffee or other stimulant to start or end your day! This technique has been used for centuries to help cleanse and stimulate health in the body! JUST TRY IT....even if it's not one of your "plans" today!

With Love and Recharged Energy,
Christy Russell