Swimming Through Life

I recently started swimming again towards the end of April (why I took a break for more than 18 months is another blog post all by itself).

I am also at the end of the book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckart Tolle. Every Friday night, for 10 weeks, I have participated in Oprah’s web class, which has been very enlightening. Again, another blog post all by itself.

Original photo source

My students were always just intrigued with the fact that I had Dory on my computer. Oh, to be a kid again!

A few days ago, as I was swimming, I realized how much swimming resembles life. For instance, I realized that keeping your head down really does increase the effectiveness of your stroke.

As in life:

• It slows you down when you try to look ahead to see what’s coming up, how far the end of the lane is. Focusing on where you are AT THAT MOMENT puts you in a much better place.

• Being concerned with where other people are, who may be passing you, who may be moving slower than you, also slows you down and takes away from the experience.

• Hitting the wall, and pushing off with force instead of letting it stop you gives you a better start on the next lap, or phase of life, if you will.

• Extra baggage slows you down. All you really need is a swimsuit, goggles, and a swim cap. The less you wear, the faster you’re able to swim.

I learned all of this from experience…as in life. ☺