I was watching an episode of the Discovery Channel the other day in which Wim Hof was featured. He is sometimes referred to as 'The Iceman' because he has a unique ability to regulate his own internal body temperature to such a degree that he can withstand extreme cold temperatures.
In this particular segment scientists performed a test where he was submerged in a tub of ice water that would have literally killed the average person. He withstood the extreme condition for 35 minutes while maintaining a core temperature 3 degrees warmer than normal.
All of this testing was in preparation for his setting the world record for running a half marathon in the Arctic while wearing only a pair of shorts. Yes, you heard correctly, he was only wearing shorts. No shoes, no jacket, no gloves, no hat.....just short shorts.
Upon completion of the run medics informed him that he would likely lose a few toes to amputation since he no longer had blood circulation in them.
Instead of letting this 'diagnoses' discourage him he immediately brought his foot to his cheek (he's very flexible) and pressed his toes to his face and said, "No that's not right". He continued to 'speak' to his body and very shortly there after the blood began to circulate once again throughout all of his toes.
The Doctors can't explain what happened but it reminds me how easily we limit ourselves. Mr. Hof simply was not going to accept that the tissue in his toes was dead and instead spoke to his inner core and brought vitality back to his system. A seemingly impossible feat.
There is nothing we can't accomplish if we simply don't limit ourselves or others for that matter. While I won't be running barefoot down my street anytime soon I will think twice about limiting myself and others when the realm of possibility is obviously wide open!
Comments