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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.

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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—

  • The connection between body and mind.

  • Connection with myself and others.

  • Connection to nature and society.

  • 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:

  • It is explorative and playful.

  • It emphasizes developing better body awareness and intuition.

  • It involves mental and physical challenges to expand the comfort zone.

  • Breath is fundamental.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • Cold Exposure: I love all forms of cold exposure from cold shower to ice baths and hiking up mountains.

  • 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.

  • Meditation: Vipassana meditation has deeply influenced me.

  • Academics: At university, I studied a mix of philosophy, history, linguistics, anthropology, and religious studies. I keep educating myself on all sort of topics.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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.

  • 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

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