MARYA OF THE WOOD
Since birth, I have lived amongst rivers throughout the land. As a child, we often visited relatives who lived near Durgin Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1869. It traverses Cold River, where I happened to swim today and nearly every day for the past several months.
I am tucked in the foothills of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The trails are abundant—if I didn’t know better, I would say these trails are infinite. Along many of these pathways, rivers run through, providing both song and a delightful vision.
It wasn’t until the early days of the previous spring that I began the daily ritual of cold plunging. This was an unplanned adventure with benefits that continue to unfold. With each plunge, I experience a surge of energy while simultaneously sensing calmness.
My focus and creativity are intensified, as is my determination to connect to my innermost being. Overcoming hesitation and resistance heightens personal awareness of self. I have deemed this daily ritual a baptism and renewal of sorts. Becoming a river woman is like finding my way home.
The lake was cold enough at the beginning of taking on this ceremonial custom. Soon, although it was great for a traditional swim, it simply was not cold enough. It would only satisfy my need to refresh if I immersed myself in the coldest water possible. This is when going to the river was favorable. Even then, the river flows higher in the mountains, resulting in its temperature dropping a few degrees colder than other, more frequented spots.
I prefer to hike up a mountain path that follows the river, providing various pools perfect for immersion. The river is colder now that the temperatures are dipping into the forties at night.
As is typical, after Labor Day, fewer people are present at the public swimming holes. It is pleasing to dash up the hill, which is a short distance from my home, and plunge into the icy clear water of Cold River.
Depending on the time of day I immerse in the river, I am at the height of both stimulation and deep relaxation. There is an opposing shift of energy within and without. If it is in the morning, I will face the day with a deep sense of contentment and awareness. If it is at the end of the day and into the night, it brings about a profound feeling of relaxation and completeness—the day is done.
Upon hearing the harmonious tones of the river currents as it sings its way, weaving and meandering over smooth rocks, fallen trees, and glistening pools, I am home.
Throughout my life, I have frequented rivers, but until this past year, I did not inhabit them as I have now. The rushing cascades, the falls, both large and small, wind their way through my being. I am aware that now, without time in wild water, such as the river, I am not complete. This act of revitalization serves me well.
I will continue to swim in the lake, immersing in it more often after the temperatures drop and before it ices over for the winter. This will be easier to access than the rivers. However, I now embrace and accept that I have become a river woman.
This essential shift in me is possible because of my good son’s unwavering encouragement. When snow was still on the ground, and I stood waste-deep in the rushing water of Diana’s Bath, I told him I could not do it.
He smiled and looked at me as I had done to him throughout his childhood, and he said, “Mom, you can do this.”
And I did.
I surrendered to the icy river. My son coaxed and guided me over various rocks and rushing falls to continue conquering my fears. That was then. This is now. Before the immersion, I had a moment of reflection—a time to recognize what to release and wash away as I faced my initial resistance. There is courage in that act.
The river has changed me on a plethora of levels.
Please note that this is not for everyone. If practiced responsibly, it can have multiple mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. For others, it may cause health concerns. It is up to each person to research and comprehend what is best.
Video © Mj Pettengill 2024
A very enlightening read. A ritual that must one of the oldest for humans but which has been commercialised and sanitised . Many people are restricted to city swimming pools but even these are more expensive to access if available . Others enjoy wild swimming in rivers and lakes but here in the UK pollution is a problem so to have access to such a resource is a blessing . Beneficial , as you so eloquently describe, for the mind body soul and spirit . One fears that in the decades to come such an experience will become rarer . If I cannot share your response I can imagine it until the opportunity presents itself . It may be …