The Hero’s Plunge
6 Lessons from the Land of Fire & Ice
The North Atlantic cold hit my skin as I sat with a group of men shoulder-deep in 5°C (41°F) water, laughing at how simultaneously crazy and amazing this experience was. Treeless peaks loomed around us, a frosty wind blowing, our bodies shivering, our hearts open. In that absurd, electric moment—raw, primal, alive—we built a rare connection through shared courage and discomfort.
That plunge set the tone for my week in Iceland. Fifteen men from around the world gathered for Forge, a co-created retreat led by two friends. This time, I wasn’t leading; I was just being. That was the real gift.
We ditched screens and alcohol, stepping into a landscape that felt mythic, like a hero’s journey into the unknown. The focus was simple: presence, listening, vulnerability.
What hit me was how fast ego faded without the usual noise. We shared stories, laughter, and tears. We practiced deep listening, offered spontaneous teachings, and built a community of trust in days that would normally take years. Vulnerability was the key that unlocked real connection.