

Welcome
I am Douwe van den Berg, founder of The Cool Way.
I am founder of the Intentional Cold Exposure Academy, Wim Hof Method instructor, breathworker, movement coach, and enthusiastic explorer of body and mind.
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For a long time, I have been fascinated by the interaction between body and mind. This fascination started an amazing journey of discovery. Along the way, I learned many valuable lessons, exercises, and principles. I love sharing them with you through my blog, classes, and workshops!
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I am based in Potsdam, Germany, and frequently teach workshops and retreats in various countries across Europe.
About my journey so far
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The beginning of a journey is always hard to define. Did it start with the mythology and knight stories I loved as a kid? Or the martial arts I practiced in high school? Or perhaps a beautiful experience in a Christian monastery? All of these moments sparked my interest in exploring my body and mind. I like to understand the things that fascinate me, and I go far to learn more.
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After high school, I quite literally went far—I traveled to China to learn kung fu. I spent nine months there, traveling and training in kung fu schools. It was an inspiring yet challenging time. In China, I also discovered my love for cold water (mainly because there was no warm water).
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Back in the Netherlands, I went to university to explore body and mind from a more academic perspective, studying a combination of philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, and religious studies.
In 2012, I met Wim Hof for the first time. The teachings of The Iceman deepened my understanding of the power of breath and mind—and strengthened my love for the cold. I joined Wim on many adventures, and in 2015, I became one of the first instructors of the Wim Hof Method (WHM). From 2017-2023, I have also been teaching at the WHM Academy, training around 500 new WHM instructors.
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Cold exposure has become a major trend since I first started practicing it. Driven by a desire to create good teachers and share our insights in everything related to cold exposure, Josephine Worseck and I founded the Intentional Cold Exposure Academy in 2024.
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Beyond WHM and cold exposure, I have explored many other methods of self-discovery, ranging from breathwork and movement to the stillness of Vipassana meditation; from new-age festivals to physiology.
Throughout my explorations, I try to navigate the fascinating space where science, religion, common sense, and extraordinary experiences meet. I try to remain both skeptical and open at the same time.
At its core, my journey is about connection—
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The connection between body and mind.
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Connection with myself and others.
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Connection to nature and society.
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The connection between theory, practice, and experience.
The path never truly ends—I continue learning, evolving, and growing. Looking back, it's already been a beautiful journey, filled with highs and lows, failures and successes, each bringing its own lessons.
​My Teachings
Whatever I find valuable, I love to share. While the specific techniques and activities may change, there are some core principles that I value deeply in my teaching:
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It is explorative and playful.
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It emphasizes developing better body awareness and intuition.
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It involves mental and physical challenges to expand the comfort zone.
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Breath is fundamental.
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Connection is the essence.​
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I teach both independently and alongside other teachers. Most often, I collaborate with Josephine Worseck—my partner in crime, love, and business. You can learn more about her on her website: josephineworseck.com.
Here a little videos where you can get a taste of my teachings:
Explorations and influences
Some of My Explorations and Influences:
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Breathwork: In addition to the Wim Hof Method, I am a certified breath coach in Methode Beter Ademen by Marleen van den Hout. I have practiced many other breathing techniques as well.
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Cold Exposure: I love all forms of cold exposure from cold shower to ice baths and hiking up mountains.
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Movement: I am a trainer in The Kinesica Method and a member of the Ferus Animi // Terra Nova Collective. I have practiced various movement arts.
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Meditation: Vipassana meditation has deeply influenced me.
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Academics: At university, I studied a mix of philosophy, history, linguistics, anthropology, and religious studies. I keep educating myself on all sort of topics.
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Martial Arts: I have trained in Systema and various Chinese and Thai martial arts, with intensive training in both China and Thailand. For the last years I have been practicing MMA.
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Religion & Spirituality: While I am hesitant to label myself spiritual, I have learned from many spiritual traditions and religions. I found lots of beauty and beautiful experiences in Christianity (especially Taizé in France), Islam, new-age spirituality, and more.
Official Qualifications:
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Wim Hof Method Instructor (Level 2) – Instructor at the WHM Academy (training future instructors) from 2017-2023
Wim Hof Instructor Profile -
Wildnis Pedagogue – A unique blend of hardcore survival skills and tree-hugging! Completed a one-year program at Lupus Wildnisschule and Vier Winde Wildnisschule.
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Breath Coach (Methode Beter Ademen)
More about Beter Ademen -
Trainer in The Kinesica Method
More about Kinesica -
Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Sciences – University College Roosevelt