Wild Swimming: A Journey Back To Myself.

There’s something deeply witchy, almost ancient, about it. Cool and fierce and honest. Wild swimming has opened me up in ways I never thought possible.

It gave me confidence to be in my own body again. For the first time in years, I felt a love for my body. Genuine, raw love for everything it has carried me through.

Over the 2 weeks of swimming in rivers, and lakes, sometimes naked, sometimes in costume, something in me shifted. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually. The stillness of the water seeped into my bones and calmed the noise in my head. PTSD had often kept me in fight or flight mode, while menopause brought tension, anxiety, hot flushes, and restless nights. Shoulders loosened, the flushes softened, and my anxiety dishevelled into ripples.

Wild cold swimming is more than exercise, though it certainly helps thee body. Cold water immersion boost the immune system, and reduces inflammation. It’s a natural tonic, strengthening the cardiovascular system and easing aching joints. For those of us navigating menopause, it’s especially powerful. The cold helps regulate temperature surges, calms the nervous system, and lifts mood thanks to the surge of endorphins that to me only cold water seems to know how to release.

And the emotional impact? profound. With each swim, I began to form a new relationship with myself. I started asking:

What brings me joy?

What do I like?

What no longer serves me?

I gave myself permission to be enough, without needing to be enough for anyone else.

Im grateful my partner swims with me. We don’t always talk about healing, but we feel in the shared silence of the water, we’re rebuilding ourselves in small quite ways.

This journey has made me crave more, more connection, more presence, more magic. I want to dance barefoot in the rain naked if possible. I want to root myself in earths energy. Yes i’ve signed up for a moon swim under a full moon. Curious to see what lunar energy might rise in me when the world is lit only by silver light.

But as powerful as wild swimming os safety always comes first. Choose clean safe swimming spots. Never swim alone. Check thee temperature and ease yourself into the cold water slowly. Learn about the currents, avoid jumping into unfamiliar areas, and be mindful of your energy levels, especially when it’s cold.

A neoprene hat or gloves or even a wetsuit can help you stay warm, and having warm clothes and a hot drink waiting post swim is more than just comfort, it care.

There is freedom in surrendering to the wild it doesn’t take away the pain, but it gives it space to breathe. And in that space, healing begins.