Saunas & Lent: 6 Weeks Makes All the Difference

 Over the past few months, while working through new health challenges I decided to add infrared sauna sessions to my morning workout routine 3-4x per week. 

At first, the sauna was a somewhat tedious experience. Knowing the health benefits it can yield, I was doing it purely out of a sense of "it couldn't hurt." In my "thinky" brain, I thought: "At best, the sauna could help my diagnosis and at worst, I will spend a lot of time and money "resting." 

I made my appointments, and began my "sauna therapy." I had NO idea what was in store! 

Weeks 1-2: 4 sessions each week at 130-132 degrees. Worked my way up to 20-25 minutes. Barely broke a sweat.

Weeks 3-4: 4 sessions each week at 132-134 degrees. Worked up to 22 minutes. Sweating about the same. Sleep and elimination begin to improve (sorry, tmi!).

Weeks 5-6: 4 sessions each week at 134-135 degrees. Worked up to 25-30 minutes. Session number 4 of the 8 sessions was 140 degrees for 5 minutes. At the 8th session, the flood gates opened! I began sweating... dripping! 

On March 15, while I was doing red-light therapy (which was added to my sauna sessions 1h/week - during week 6) I had an eye-opening conversation with God. During that conversation He pointed this out: I had begun to hold some things in my life a little more loosely and He was being able to act. I was brought back to a memory in spiritual direction and confession where I received the knowledge that He really does desire to help me and I must first "let go" and "let Him." The grip I had on my current health condition really needed to be loosened, He was calling me to trust and rest in His Divine Providence. 

After the red light, I stepped into the infrared sauna and remained in my colloquy with the Lord and guess what I realized... 6 weeks!! It took 6 weeks for my mind and body to LET GO -- Isn't it interesting - Lent is 6 weeks! Holy Mother the Church guides us through this season as a way to HEAL us, SAVE us and REMIND us, that He wants us to be whole! 

It took my body and mind 6 weeks to relent to the healing power of sauna therapy (my cells began to release all that I was holding so tightly onto). This Lent it has taken me 6 weeks to journey deeper into the ONE relationship which will never disappoint, to let go and let Him heal me, to trust Him and His Providence.

As I continue my own health journey, and you continue yours, let us remember ultimately, He will act when we act -- with our "yes" He will unleash a type of health that is beyond our wildest dreams, which leads to an integrated life! A life united to Him and His holy will. He wants this for you and me! 

Today, I invite you to resolve to begin again, right where you're at! Your life and health matters to Him.