Swimming swimming in a swimming pool

Hello friends,

Swimming swimming in a swimming pool…..when days are hot when days are cold in a swimming pool……anyone else out there remember singing that tune when they were young?

By this time next week I will have my life guarding certification.  You might be wondering, when the average age of lifeguards is 21, why this advocate of mindful movement is gearing up to spend time pool side.  let me assure you, it’s more then the thrill of blowing the whistle and yelling “everyone out of the pool!” And I know most of you would rather have some strapping young man rescue you should the occasion arise.  Let me explain………..

In my continuous journey to be of service I have noticed in the past few years how many people I meet who do not know how to swim.  Even many people who know how to swim, swim rarely, if at all. I also notice swimmers who could use assistance in swimming more efficiently which would make it a whole lot more fun for them.  So as I ramp up my swimming teaching skills I decided to get a lifeguard certification as well.

Swimming is such a wonderful activity.  It’s a great way to cross train your body from all the other sports you participate in.  Moving through the water with ease using your breath just feels so darn great!  And for those of you who might not know this, if you learn to swim the medley (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly) you use EVERY muscle in your body.  Recently while open water swimming in Hawaii I needed a rest from freestyle swimming and started to use my breaststroke.  I felt so differently in the water using this stroke I became fascinated with it.  For the last few months I have been developing my breaststroke and love using it when I swim. I am using my breath differently, my hips differently and muscles are developing in my upper body at an alarming rate !  Watch a swimmer who owns their breaststroke—they are beautiful swimmers.

This month’s message is meant to :

1—-congratulate you if you are already swimming on a regular basis……..you know the secret to this most wonderful moving meditation!

2—-encourage you, if you know how to swim but the lifeguards at your local pool don’t know your name, to get back into the water and reclaim your lane!

3—-motivate you to learn how to swim.  We are made of water to a large extent and getting comfortable within the water element will add years of JOY to your life—-I promise you!

As always I appreciate all the fun e-mails I receive from you filled with your support and stories of your own.  Enjoy the rest of your summer and “EVERYONE into the pool!”

shelli

PS—watch for next month’s e-letter where I’ll be sharing with you the Jump-roping lesson I took from the 5 time world champion jumproper !!