“This is where you breathe out all the nonsense of life.” — Overheard at Ritual

The other day, there were four of us regulars in the sauna. We greeted each other warmly when we realized we had unwittingly coordinated our time. Four strangers, brought together by a shared love of Ritual, all here to return to a state of balance. Though we may never cross paths outside this space, we are a community.

Laughter comes easily in the sauna as we swap stories about our weeks apart. We come from different eras, different families, and different fields, yet the conversation flows with ease. Many of our talks revolve around books we’ve read or places we’ve traveled. Sometimes, the conversation deepens, and I leave the sauna feeling fulfilled, knowing that I am not alone.

In the cold plunge, one of us dares the others to recall a childhood memory, and we all remark on how hard it is to think in the cold! We laugh about how rare it is to experience such clarity in a world that never slows down. The longer we stay in the cold, the more nonsense we breathe out. We take the challenge together.

I’ll say it again: the best healing often comes in the most unexpected ways. When I first started coming to Ritual, I imagined my time there would be a solitary, introspective experience. And it can be, especially if I come during quieter times or book during one of Ritual’s Silent Nights. What I didn’t expect, though, was that my visits would become a catalyst for reconnecting with a sense of community. Being a regular at Ritual has inspired me to seek out social bonds and make new connections in other areas of my life.

I think I understand now why so many cultures have iterations of social sauna and cold plunge practices. These rituals are a means of building communities and mending hearts. There’s something about the shared experience and vulnerability that comes with contrast therapy. It creates a space where genuine conversation can flow freely among friends, family, or even strangers.

For me, it’s a balm for the soul.

The article above is a personal experience, shared to us by a member of the RITUAL community. Those who have tried cold plunge and / or sauna, often report transformative effects to their mental and physical well being, especially when practiced with consistency. If you have a story or experiences you may like to share, you can do so using this form.