photo courtesy of Flickr's Creative Commons
--post by Jennifer Irsfeld James
News reports invade my dreams at too early an hour. A nudge from the other side of the bed encourages me to swat the snooze button. Nine minutes later a loving shove shoos the night owl from her roost.
Brain and body whine for more sleep as I strip down and suit up. I’m headed for holy water: a pool in a school basement where regular immersions stretch and strengthen both muscle and mind. The coached workouts leave me refreshed more so than an extra hour of sleep, but the delayed satisfaction requires discipline.
On the pool deck, I tug on cap and goggles. After a quick glance at the warm-up, I spring forth in a shallow dive and meet the chill with an involuntary underwater yelp. Eventually speed evades the cold: I skim the surface as soaring gull and powerful porpoise until lactic acid builds in my muscles and begins its slow burn.
I take the workout sets one at a time, to stay focused and in the moment. “Participate, don’t anticipate,” sings out one morning-glory fellow swimmer. How wise: Unburdened by future concerns, I swim faster and freer as I push my threshold in speed drills and distance swims.
The intense concentration empties my mind of extraneous thoughts. I surrender myself to the water, which submerges me in active silence.
Calm, centered, and breathing hard, I churn the water with high elbows. Kick strong. Flip at the walls. Grab life-affirming air. Exhale all else.
This is how I meditate as I swim. Regular practice helps me in and out of the pool to let go of multitasking, ruminating, and rehashing. When I can quiet my chattering thoughts, I open myself to clarity, inspiration, and spiritual insight.
After my final lap, I climb out, steadying myself on solid ground. I’m weary, yet buzzing with gratitude. Thanks be to God.
