subject: Storytelling And Coaching For Inspiration, Gratitude And A Quieter Mind [print this page] I've started swimming again! It took a while for me to make the commitment and actually do it, I mean it can be so boring! But I've done it and to be honest, it's so much fun! There's something about the feeling of kicking off from the side of the pool and sailing through the cool water; then stretching my arm over my head and feeling my body propelled forward. I'm not a fast swimmer, but I can keep going for quite a distance.
After about 6 lengths, I usually feel really tired. My arms are heavy and it feels like my legs are dragging and I wonder why I was so enthusiastic about getting in the water at all. But I push on. After about 10 lengths I start to recover. I feel the tiredness flow away and I start really enjoying myself! I have to admit though, it is quite boring this swimming thing? but I find I do a lot of thinking under the water, it's so quiet, and there's not much else to do really. I'm always inspired by the quiet under the water and after a few lengths it definitely helps quiet my mind!
So, when I get out of the water, my body feels toned and my head is clear. Yesterday, between 14 and 15 lengths, I suddenly had a realization about what getting back to swimming teaches me about life, so I wanted to share it with you today!
1. Sometimes things get tough quite early on,but if you keep going, it eases up.
2. You don't have to be the fastest, you just need to stay in the water!
3. Just when you think you're out of air, all you need to do is lift your head and breathe deeply!
4. I doesn't matter how much time or money you spend on how you look, when we put on that swim hat, we all look ridiculous!
5. Keeping your body fit and your mind clear, is like opening yourself up to gratitude, health, life and love.
So next time you feel tired, listless and uninspired, I strongly recommend that you find a pool or a beach. It will probably be the last thing in the world you feel like doing. You'll probably have a million reasons why you simply can't take the time to do it. You may even persuade yourself that it won't make any difference. But I know you can do it, and you'll feel great; go for it, go for a swim!
