Becoming a Swimmer (even in Winter)

One of the most enlightening truths about learning to swim as an adult is that it goes beyond the physical aspects we often imagine, such as gracefully traversing from one side of the pool to the other.

It's not merely about mastering the precise movements of your arms and legs or excelling in specific strokes like freestyle. We've observed students reaching the opposite end of the pool and expressing confusion about how they got there. And even if you can tread water for two minutes but end up exhausted, can treading alone keep you safe? The answer to that question is obvious.

The criterion we use to determine if someone can swim is simple—can you comfortably rest in the middle of the deep end for as long as you want? If the answer is not a full-body "yes," then you have not yet embodied what it means to be a swimmer.

Learning to swim is about establishing a relationship with the water. Like any relationship, it requires nurturing. If you only spent time with a friend during the summer and abandoned them when the cold weather arrived, would they eagerly await your return the following summer? Probably not.

Becoming a swimmer extends beyond acquiring skills; it involves immersing yourself in the water. This philosophy inspired our Soul Swimming sessions, designed to cater to your individual needs in becoming one with this elemental experience. It's a judgment-free zone where we're here to support whatever you require, whether it's guidance during your back float or giving you space to let your body guide you to your next step.  

So, what is your relationship with the water? And how do you nurture that connection on an ongoing basis?

Each year, there's a surge of individuals eager to enroll in swimming classes just before summer. Understandably, with vacations in mind, the last thing you want to think about when it's snowing outside is swimming.

However, winter presents an excellent opportunity to embrace the water, especially in warm surroundings. A photo from one of our Winter Solstice sessions, where we swam in the dark, attests to this.

Winter Solstice Swim in the Dark - 2023

During winter, many of us naturally contract due to the cold—tensing up and layering up to brave the elements and avoid exorbitant heating bills. Immersing yourself in warm water is the antidote. It allows the tension to melt away and softens our edges.

We welcome swimmers of all levels to these sessions because, truthfully, most of us spend our days in our heads, behind screens, disconnected from everything below the neck. Anyone who loves being in the water and seeks to deepen their connection to themselves is invited, as this is the water's greatest gift. Water can aid in healing by bringing awareness to what needs attention, allowing us to drop into the body.

 Not feeling something or experiencing numbness is also valuable information.

 Happy winter swimming, everyone!