I learned to swim freestyle two years ago. On this new moon, I decided to reflect on what I’ve learned from learning how to swim:
1. Discover the essentials (bathing suit, goggles, swim cap, pool buoy, fins).
2. Ease into the water. Relax. Don’t be afraid.
3. When water gets in your eyes, ears, nose and constantly feels like you’re drowning, learn to swim through that too.
4. If you want to create momentum, then learn to kick, stroke, and pull.
5. If you want to cultivate ease, then learn to listen, breathe, and glide.
6. Rotate, be flexible, reach as far as you can.
7. Accept how difficult it is. Just. Keep. Going.
8. Keep your body relaxed, your head in a neutral position. See #7.
9. Set manageable goals, like get to the end of the pool. Get there. Then turn around and set a new goal, like get back to the other end of the pool. Get there. Repeat.
10. Take breaks when you need to; jump back in when you’re ready. Just keep going.
Apply to life.