Trying to keep afloat

Water can introduce us to a new way of being, says Daphne Wood

Openmind 135, September/October 2005

in order to swim
you need to be in the water
of course swimming is exercise
and exercise is good for the body and the mind
and for helping us integrate the two
swimming has particular benefits
the support from the water
allows the swimmer to move
with less impact on the joints
all the muscles are used
like other exercise
swimming can give us a sense of wellbeing

learning a new skill
is also satisfying
for many of us
doing something physical
can be a new venture
the slow systematic practising
of new drills which become easier
and slowly build on each other
until one is swimming a whole stroke
offers a sense of achievement
and integration
shows us that we are able to make changes

for people who are afraid of water
and may have lived with fear all their lives
learning to put their face into water
while breathing out gently
feet still on the floor of the pool
allows the person
to take small manageable steps
at their own pace
not pushing the fear aside
but noticing its effects
are the eyes closed?
are the hands clenched?
the temptation may be
to take a gulp of air
shut the eyes and force yourself
to put your face in the water
often the water does not reward such heroics
gently and quietly
water introduces us
to a new way of being
in water
trying hard
forcing ourselves
making a big effort
is often counterproductive

as the fearful person
manages to keep the out breath continuous
and the eyes open
with their face in the water
(feet still on the ground)
they are encouraged
to lower the weight of the head into the
water
without pushing the head in
if you do this
you will discover
that the water seems to respond
and supports the weight of your head
the more we trust our weight into the water
the more the water holds us up

this discovery may mark the beginning of a
new relationship with water
water does not demand that we jump in at
the deep end
water meets us where we are
allows us to work at our own pace
if we slow down and begin to notice
water begins to show us
how much can be achieved
by doing less
by giving ourselves time
huge effort with the arms and legs
often results in a big splash
and gasping for breath
but less propulsion
than the person who is working with the water
allowing it to support her weight
as she quietly and smoothly moves forward
with soft open hands

learning to swim
can be a time
for learning about ourselves
and the water
when this happens
going for a swim
is not something to be got out the way
because it is good for you
instead you may find yourself drawn to the
water
wanting to be in it
to learn from it
and be supported by it

and while in it
you may notice
it is you in the water
feeling its support
it is your arm moving
your hips rotating with each stroke
you begin to notice how your body feels
where you hold tension
and what it means to let go of it

leaving the pool
dry and dressed
you may notice how your legs feel when you
walk
may feel more inside your body
may feel more ready for your next step
as you go away from the water
you know it will still be there
ready to receive you

Find out more

Shaw, S. and D'Angour,A. (2001) The Art of Swimming: A New Direction Using the Alexander Technique, London: Ashgrove Publishing.
To find a registered Shaw Method Teacher: www.artofswimming.com
To find a teacher of the Alexander Technique: www.stat.org.uk

Association of Swimming Therapy (1994) Swimming for People with Disabilities, London: AandC Black (good ideas for working with properties of water).
Contact: www.halliwick.org.uk

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1996) Full Catastrophe Living: How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Meditation, London: Piatkus (not about swimming, but good ideas for dry land).