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We are delighted to welcome Sukkhadas to our conversation today, a dedicated Wim Hof Method Instructor who has transformed his life and now guides others to do the same. Sukkhadas’s story is one of profound personal change. Coming from a demanding career in advertising and marketing, where long hours and constant stress led him to severe burnout, he reached a point where even the simplest tasks became overwhelming. It was during this challenging period that he discovered the Wim Hof Method—a practice involving specific breathing techniques, cold exposure, and meditation that completely turned his life around. Within days, Sukkhadas found himself rejuvenated, filled with energy, and ready to take on life again.

Determined to share this powerful method with others, he became a certified Wim Hof Method Instructor in 2018. Since then, he has continued to expand his knowledge and expertise. In 2020, he completed Level 2 Wim Hof Method Instructor Training at Innerfire in Poland, further honing his skills in guiding people through deep breathwork, ice baths, and mindfulness practices. His dedication to holistic wellness also led him to undergo training in psychedelic experience integration at the Mind Foundation in Berlin and become a barefoot running coach at the Barefoot Academy in Düsseldorf in 2021. His journey began even earlier with his studies in Indian philosophy, specializing in Advaita Vedanta, and extensive training in meditation and Tantric massage, reflecting a lifelong commitment to inner growth and healing.

Sukkhadas has led numerous workshops , helping participants break through physical and mental barriers. His approach goes beyond cold training; it’s about living fully in the present, reducing stress, enhancing focus, and embracing life with renewed enthusiasm. Hi Sukkhadas nice to meet you.

What was your life like before you discovered your passion for healing? What were you doing, and how did it contrast with where you are now?

 

“My journey began early with meditation. At the age of 19, I delved into the world of inner silence and became a meditation teacher by the age of 22. At the same time, I chose to pursue a career in the advertising industry, eventually working as a Brand Manager and leading two teams. Although I was successful professionally, this path led to burnout and depressive phases. A turning point came when a friend recommended the Wim Hof Method to me. This technique brought me back to life, helping me reduce stress and rediscover joy. Today, I lead seminars and workshops to help others experience similar transformations. My life has shifted from a stressful, performance-oriented routine to a fulfilling existence where I support others on their healing journeys.”

Was there a particular moment when you felt everything ‘clicked’ and you fully embraced your calling? What triggered that realization?

 

“In the advertising world, I often felt like an imposter. The work revolved around KPIs and campaigns, without me being truly seen as a person. The pivotal moment came when I received direct feedback from participants in my workshops and retreats. The authenticity with which I work resonates with people and deeply fulfills me. This fulfillment shows me that I am on the right path and have found my calling. It is an incredible feeling to know that my work makes a real difference in the lives of others.”

How do you balance the need for personal growth with the responsibility of guiding others on their healing journeys?

 

“Authenticity is the key to my approach. I invite people to accept themselves as they are. Often, it’s not about reaching a destination to be healed, but about accepting the current state. Healing begins with the acceptance of what is. When we are in conflict with ourselves, we can distract ourselves, but we cannot achieve real change. I firmly believe that self-love and acceptance are the foundations for any transformation.”

Can you walk us through your specific practice or method? How did it evolve from when you first started?

 

“When I began with breathwork, my respiratory system often felt overwhelmed. Therefore, I started slowly and focused on maximum volume. This gentle approach allowed me to make rapid progress. I view breathwork like a sport—a conscious 30-minute breathing session has a tremendous impact on everyday breathing. Before each session, I do a warm-up to prepare the respiratory system. For ice bathing, I started with cold tap water, which in Berlin ranges between 13-16 degrees Celsius depending on the season. This practice has enriched my life and given me a new sense of vitality.

Today, I never miss an opportunity to take an ice bath and love exposing myself to the cold in the mountains at sub-zero temperatures. Regarding meditation, after over 20 years, I love seeing every moment as meditation and have established silence as the highest good in my life.”

In what ways have you seen your work ripple out into your community or beyond?

 

“My goal is to inspire people to find their own path. In my retreats, I engage with many who are going through similar experiences. I want to create communities where people practice together and promote their physical and mental health. In a world where many feel isolated, it is important to me to bring people together and show them that we should be there for one another. My legacy should be a world where people support each other and grow together.”

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned on your path that you believe everyone should know?

 

“Relax and trust. I was always searching for a destination, but I was already there—I was just looking in the wrong direction, outward instead of inward. This realization changed my life. It’s about enjoying the moment and trusting that you already have everything you need.

My current project: The “7 Ice Summits” project is a personal and inspiring endeavor that I initiated to explore and expand the boundaries of human potential. My goal is to climb the highest peaks of the seven Alpine countries—Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. In doing so, I consciously forgo traditional protective clothing and instead rely on the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method: breathing techniques, cold exposure, and mental strength.

The idea for this project arose from my own transformational experience. After finding my way back to life from burnout and depressive phases through the Wim Hof Method, I now want to inspire others to overcome their own limits. ‘7 Ice Summits’ offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, inviting participants to engage deeply with their abilities and boundaries.

Safety is paramount, and the climbs are accompanied by experienced mountain guides. This project promotes a positive attitude and a strong mindset, which are crucial for success in extreme conditions. It is not only a personal challenge for me but also an invitation to others to pursue their own dreams and face their challenges. ‘7 Ice Summits’ reminds us that we can achieve more than we imagine if we have the courage to take the first step.”

SAFETY: The Wim Hof Method, which combines breathing techniques and cold exposure, offers many benefits. Here are some important safety guidelines to consider:

 

  • Safe Environment: Always practice breathwork in a safe environment, ideally under professional guidance for introduction. This helps minimize risks and ensures that the techniques are performed correctly.
  • Do Not Combine: Never combine breathwork with ice bathing or being in water in general. These two practices should be conducted separately.
  • Health Restrictions: Pregnant women and people with epilepsy should not practice the breathing techniques of the Wim Hof Method. Additionally, individuals with serious health issues, such as high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, should consult their doctor beforehand.
  • Medical Consultation: Before ice bathing, consult a doctor, especially if you are not in perfect health. This is important to ensure that your body can safely handle cold exposure.
  • No Breathing Exercises in Dangerous Situations: Never perform breathing exercises while driving, cycling, swimming, or bathing.

“These guidelines are intended to help ensure that the Wim Hof Method is practiced safely and effectively to maximize its numerous health benefits.”

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