Culture
FEB 2024
At the end of last year, my wonderful, talented friend Begoña García (whom I previously wrote an article about) invited me to participate in her sensational EL CLUB DEL HIELO workshop. I had high expectations before coming because of everything I had already heard about it, but I can honestly say that it surpassed anything I had imagined.
I had the fortune to take part in two El Club del Hielo activations on one weekend. I did the course on Friday, and on Sunday morning, before sunrise, I joined the excursion to Arca Tierra. Read below to find out more about these magical experiences.
Begoña García teaching the Wim Hof Method
The workshop lasted around six hours in the beautiful Casa Versalles. It began with an introduction to the theory and scientific basis of the Wim Hof Method. Participants engage in a Wim Hof Breathing Protocol, one of the greatest gifts Bego shares. I always talk about the importance of breath and that once you realize that manipulating breath creates an unparalleled inner shift, there is no greater feeling. Through her guidance, you will learn a technique you can utilize whenever and wherever, enabling you to fall into a beautiful meditative state.
@elclubdelhielo
After the above portion of the workshop, our group went around the building to the ice baths. This part of the course is optional but strongly recommended. It is intimidating stepping into such freezing water, but the high you get after you manage 3 minutes in the tin makes any discomfort worth it. You leave the water feeling elated, and a sense of achievement stays with you for the rest of the day.
The Wim Hof Method Fundamentals Workshop provides tools for mental relaxation and physical well-being. The benefits of the ice bath practice include:
The method also improves sleep, revolutionizes metabolism, boosts energy, and strengthens the immune system, offering a holistic approach to overall health and performance. It is something that everyone should try at least one time. The positive effects are felt instantly, so I am confident that you will be coming back for more.
EL CLUB DEL HIELO y KĒNTRO, en colaboración con Arca Tierra
Two days later, at 5 am on a Sunday, I went to the pre-Hispanic canals connecting different Xochimilco chinampas. The Chinampas agricultural system is an articulated set of artificial floating islands. Traditionally built based on oral wisdom transmitted since the time of the Aztecs. The system houses 2% of the world’s biodiversity.
We embarked on a boat journey to Chinampa Arca Tierra, a stunning piece of land teeming with lush vegetation and locally cultivated produce. Renowned chefs from Mexico City frequent this spot to craft unique culinary adventures. Our itinerary included 108 Sun Salutations led by KĒNTRO, facilitating a profound connection with our bodies and the sun, symbolizing creation and vitality. Subsequently, we engaged in an immersive breathwork session, culminating in an invigorating ice bath experience.
108 Saludos al Sol
After warming up, the group gathered around tables adorned with vibrant flora and greens, concluding with a breakfast sourced from the garden and chinampa. By 11 am, the experience drew to a close, and we began our journey back to the city. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning! I departed feeling invigorated and mentally sharp, grateful for Bego’s generosity and the wealth of knowledge gained throughout the weekend. I also felt a sense of fulfillment in expanding my toolkit for mental and physical resilience. Stepping beyond comfort zones is key; often, it leads to unexpected discoveries that enrich our lives in unforeseen ways.
Begoña García (left), Chris Koehn (right)
For more information and upcoming course details, follow @elclubdelhielo. I could not recommend stepping into cold water more and having Bego be the one to guide you through this beautiful journey if you live in Mexico City.
