Stop, Drop & Breathe
Stop, Drop & Breathe
Breath & Ice Event Returns to HoliMont with a New Session Added on for Teens
Photos / Darlene Allen
Stress: It’s something that every creature with a nervous system experiences, and it’s a state of being that goes back to our earliest ancestors. Stress is experienced by animals, too, noted Steve Beattie, certified Wim Hof Method instructor and founder of Breathing in Nature. “If you were to take a stress test of a cheetah and an antelope, they’re both having a very strong stress response,” he noted. “But one of them wants to be there, and the other does not!”
Is it possible to reframe one’s relationship with stress - to see it as a tool, instead of a constant state of fear and worry? Beattie believes that yes, not only is it possible to change one’s relationship with stress, but it is also possible to heal the mind and body through a simple, yet powerful method that’s changed the lives of countless people all over the world. He invites all to experience the Wim Hof Method through two upcoming events at HoliMont: the Stop, Drop & Breathe Challenge (ages 14-18 years old) on March 21st and the Breath & Ice Challenge (adults) on March 22nd.
In January, Beattie hosted the first Breath & Ice Challenge at HoliMont, which sold out and prompted requests for a repeat event. This one-day event challenges participants to learn how to use breath and cold exposure to hike (or take the ski lift) up Exhibition Run and then plunge into Saddle Pond! HoliMont Marketing Director Jennah Bradley said, “Our members and guests absolutely loved it! We have been trying to offer a diverse range of activities, and this one was a definite crowd-pleaser. The Wim Hof Method has been gaining popularity among many lately, so when the opportunity to participate in this event arose, we jumped at the chance. Our Saddle Pond provided the ideal backdrop for the Breath & Ice Challenge, with its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere.”
Beattie is looking forward to hosting another Breath & Ice Challenge for adults from noon-4:00pm on March 22nd and is thrilled to invite high school-aged students to participate in a youth version of this event on March 21st from 1:00-5:00pm. “We’re going into the instructional work around breath and cold exposure and pushing their bodies so they can learn the effects of stress on their body,” said Beattie. “They’ll be learning how to identify what stress is and use it as a tool so that they’re not trapped in that runaway stress response where they can’t think properly anymore. A lot of times when we talk about stress, we’re talking about distress, but there’s also eustress, which is the good stress! That’s what makes us stronger and makes us focus our energy.”
Like the adult version of the event, youth participants will also be hiking up Exhibition Run and plunging into Saddle Pond. Beattie, who is a parent of a teen, is familiar with the unique challenges youth face today, especially since the pandemic when many students had no choice but to rely on screens for their educational and social connections. In-person connection is vital to human development, Beattie explained, and helping youth connect with themselves and nature is something he’s very passionate about.
As for the name of the youth event? “When we were little kids, the firefighters came to our class and told us that when we catch fire, we should stop, drop, and roll,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Am I going to catch on fire one day?’ But we catch on fire all the time on the inside. Our brains are on fire all the time, especially kids now; they’re just on fire. It’s burning hot and it’s burning them out. That’s the theme: use the breath to change your state. Notice your breath. What can you do with your breath to change your experience?” Whether that stress is playing a sport, dealing with a breakup, or preparing for an exam, Beattie said, “There’s a way to connect mind, body, heart and spirit to center yourself and feel good, and it’s all based in the breath.”
The adult and youth events are great opportunities to improve health and enjoy nature, said Bradley. “As a club dedicated to outdoor sports, activities, and promoting health and wellness, these events perfectly embody the spirit of HoliMont.” she said. “Our goal is to encourage individuals of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreation, prioritize their health, and most importantly, have fun while doing it!”
The youth event is open to 40 participants and is free of charge. Those who are interested should sign up soon, as the event is more than half filled. The Breath & Ice Challenge (includes a fee) is open to 50 participants and spots are filling quickly. Those who are interested in either event can sign up online through www.holimont.com/events or directly at https://www.breathinginnature.com/stop-drop-and-breathe/ and https://www.breathinginnature.com/hollimontbreathice/.