I almost missed it.
I’m preparing for a swim adventure in a few months and aiming to be more consistent with my swimming than I’ve ever been. With that newfound consistency, my body spoke up; I noticed a small niggle in my shoulder as I was pushing tempo.
Part of me wanted to skip a day (or three, maybe a week), rest the shoulder, wait it out. That’s what I’ve always done. But I want this time to be different—I need to find a way through, not around. So I went back the next day and made a different choice about how to swim.
I let go of the external pressures—distance and time goals—that we tend to place on ourselves. Instead, I sank into each stroke. I paid attention to my connection with the water, my breath, my body—whether my movements were synchronized, whether I was working with the water or against it.
I came out with no niggles—and more trust in my body than I’ve had in a long time.
I arrived.
I’d gotten so caught up in the doing that I forgot to be—in my body, in the water.
Here’s what I’m learning: Connection isn’t a feeling. It’s a practice of returning.
Returning to sensation. Returning to the support of the water. Returning to what matters.
When you feel frustrated or fatigued in the water, it might be a fitness issue. But before assuming that, check for contact—with your breath, your body, the rhythm that wants to emerge when you stop forcing.
Let’s practice this together. Join me for: Between Effort and Ease—a space for swimmers to reflect honestly on where you’re striving, where things feel heavy, and what your body might be asking for. No fixing. Just noticing. We’ll convene on February 23rd, 12pm Pacific – email me for a link to join.
I’d love to see you there.
With love,
PS: Sometimes connection means having someone in your corner—someone who can see what you can’t feel yet, who reminds you to arrive instead of just do. I’m offering $10 off any service (clinic, private session: in person or online) booked before the end of February with code CONNECT10
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