Immersion

There’s a big part of me that wants no part of it.

But I power through.

I’ve done it a few times now, and I know the initial pain is a shock to my system. But it’s the moments after, immediately after, when the blood is flowing, I feel fresh and awake, when it’s worth the effort.

I steel my resolve, prep myself, and wrench the spigot all the way to cold.

In these winter months, it’s a sensation I know all too well. The hot, blessed drops, cascading over my forehead turn instantly to ice. The shock spreads across my extremities, and I chant my mantra through chattering teeth.

I am here

I am here

I am here

After a slow ten count, I ease the spigot and open my eyes.

Instantly I feel warm

Invigorated

Empowered

And so it goes for this slice

of my life.

There’s a big part of me that wants no part of it.

But I power through.

I’ve done it a few times now, and I know the initial pain is a shock to my system. But it’s the moments after, immediately after, when the blood is flowing, I feel fresh and awake, when it’s worth the effort.

I steel my resolve, prep myself, and wrench the spigot all the way to cold

put the keyboard to work

and

I am here

again.