Saturday, November 12, 2011

Swimming in the Rain

The weather was wet and gray today, perfectly matching my mood. I'm actually doing pretty good but there are considerable aches and pangs of misery. I jumped in the pool to drown in my sorrows. The water washed away my pain. Wet raindrops pelted my back and arms like soothing, icy missiles. The stinging sensation reminded me that even though I feel numb today, I am very much alive. I swam hard, until my chest ached and my lungs burned and I was gasping for air. Shadows on the pooldeck haunted me as I swam lap after lap, blurry in my peripheral vision. A startled glance revealed only the bleachers, a tree, a lamppost; my subconscious manifesting grim specters hovering over me. I focused on peace, letting the racing thoughts of anger wash over me, through me, and away into the water. I let the water wash out the unwanted memories that only bring me pain. I let the rhythm of my strokes bring peace within to replace the holes where the memories had been. The shadows retreated, and a strange calmness fell over me as I continued to swim. When I got out, a mere hour later, I felt transformed, like a weight had been lifted. Now, I feel strong and empowered. I chose to swim to begin the healing process. I choose happiness.

13 comments:

Freementia said...

Love the photo. Great post.

HECTOR said...

Amazing words ...
Your words convey is that peace that you get after swimming.
Some time ago I read something about the solitude of the swimmer and the ability of insulation in the aquatic environment ...
It's amazing, and like you, I love being able to have those moments where I try to bring order to my ideas. Where, like you, I try to drag all that water can escape the negative and renovated ...
That said, wonderful words.

Caratunk Girl said...

That photo is awesome.

I loved this post.

Christi said...

A workout will cure what aches you most every time!

Unknown said...

Makes me long to drown my worries in the water.

Bob said...

Well written. I feel like I was there.

Anonymous said...

Very well written, and completely relate-able. I often use workouts to deal with any pain or stress that plagues me. I love your words "strong and empowered."

Unknown said...

Great post... :)

todd said...

Beautifully written post and the perfect photo for it. What is it about the sensation of our body slicing through the water that is so calming? I wonder.

Miriam said...

Question - how do you work to improve your swim endurance? I aspire to the triathlon but am currently just a runner. Occasionally I swim, but I struggle with the breathing and as a result never make it very far. Do you have any tips? Thanks so much :)

phill173 said...

The most poetic way of describing a training session I have ever come across!

Unknown said...

Choose Happiness!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. I think my training is what keeps me sane despite the chaos of life.