Hello Dear Steemians!
So I want to tell you about my experience with mind over matter.
A year ago I started experimenting the conditions that our ancestors had . And this is what I found out: comfort breeds weakness.
I started water fasting right of the bat. No preparations, no cheating. Used to my first world routine, it was hard to say the least. I did not die, I did not suffer from any problems after the 3 days. Done!
After 2 months, I've decided to do another 3 day fast. This time I added cold showers when outside were bellow freezing temperatures. Hurt like a mofo but I experienced the best high and the best serenity moment of my entire life. Done!
Then I went a step beyond. Water fast, cold showers, heavy lifting and exercises till my body was seconds from collapsing. Then, that high hit me again. It was overwhelming, my senses sharpened, I sensed even the slightest smell in the air (possibly from being in survival mode and searching for any scent of food). I did not die. I did not get sick. Done!
What I learned from these experiences, the mind can be a very, very powerful thing. I saw life different after that. And I kept pushing the boundaries. I said to my body "you either adapt and survive or you break". I also returned to kickboxing because I practiced it about 7 years ago. And my body still remembers.
Point is, you have no idea what you are capable of until you go beyond what your mind considers a "limit". I learned discipline, if I do not want to be tempted by something, if I resist my breaking point and keep a level head, then I am untouchable by outer negative influences.
I still practice this ritual when I feel the pressure building up inside or I sense that I cannot control myself or stopping by doing something.
What does not kill you, makes you stronger!