Embracing the Chill: A Deep Dive into "Breath Under Ice"

In the vast, shimmering expanse of the Finnish winter, where the landscape surrenders to a blanket of ice and snow, an extraordinary practice unfolds. Sauna Channel is proud to present "Breath Under Ice," a meditative short film that introduces us to Leigh Erwin, an Australian whose life journey has found its unlikely home amidst the frozen lakes of Finland. For 16 years, Leigh has not merely adapted to this environment; he has become a guide, a mentor, and a profound advocate for the transformative power of cold with Cold Exposure Retreats.

"Breath Under Ice" is more than just a visual spectacle of people submerging themselves in icy waters; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity for adaptation, resilience, and profound connection with nature. The film takes us to Melkutinjärvi, at a lake whose frozen surface becomes the stage for an balletic exploration. Under Leigh's expert guidance, individuals embark on a journey beneath the ice, navigating a labyrinth of ropes from one meticulously carved hole to another. The cinematography is graceful, capturing the ethereal beauty of the underwater world – the dance of light through the ice, the gentle currents, and the quiet determination etched on the faces of those who dare to venture into this  realm between water and ice.

Leigh's work is a modern expression of a deeply ingrained Finnish cultural practice. As highlighted by articles like "In Finland Finding Happiness in Cold Plunging" (Afar) and "Taking an Icy Plunge in Finnish Waters" (This is Finland), cold plunges and ice bathing are integral to Finnish well-being, celebrated for their invigorating physical and mental benefits. "Breath Under Ice" delves into this tradition, showcasing how individuals willingly step into this challenging element.

The film beautifully illustrates the progression from the bracing shock of the initial plunge to the serene experience of moving through the icy water. It highlights the often-overlooked beauty of the underwater world beneath a frozen lake, a place of surprising clarity and tranquility. And of course, no Finnish cold experience would be complete without the profound contrast of the sauna. "Breath Under Ice" culminates with the participants retreating to the warmth and camaraderie of a tent sauna, a powerful symbol of community, recovery, and the completion of a deeply invigorating cycle.

"Breath Under Ice" invites us to reconsider our perceptions of cold. It transforms a seemingly harsh element into a source of profound wellbeing, mental clarity, and an unparalleled connection to the natural world. It is a film that breathes with the quiet strength of those who embrace the chill, and emerges with a renewed sense of vitality and wonder.