Becoming a Swimmer: On the Other Side of a Phobia
Yesterday I went for a swim after a day off. I felt strong, using my paddles to build upper body strength.
I tend to start my swimming sessions with drills – working my upper body and lower body. Then, I finish with side breathing.
Since my first post about swimming, I’ve been steadily improving my techniques. With breathing, this has meant less fear, which means less gasping and more easeful turning of the head.
While doing all the bits correctly is important – think: pull, kick, body rotation, and breathing – what might be a better indicator of how well someone is swimming after overcoming their fear of drowning, is to notice what we do when something goes wrong.
That’s what happened yesterday.
I was happily swimming with side breathing. Suddenly, I noticed my nose clip was loose. I had probably put it on too high up the bridge of my nose instead of at the nostrils, and it had loosened.
I had a moment of fear.
Then, I stopped in 3.5-meter deep water, took off the nose clip before it fell, and began to turn my body. I took in water through the nose, but didn’t panic.
I began to swim on my back. I made it to the edge of the pool. I put the nose clip back on, correctly this time. I finished my swim.
When I got out of the pool, I began to realize the significance of my response to this incident.
In the past, I would only feel secure if my feet could touch the bottom of the pool. Later, I would swim next to the divider so I had the assurance that I could grab onto it if something happened. Then, I would notice heightened tension when swimming in the deep section.
Now, I can adjust without panicking and with a little fear. This is a far cry from 38-years of cemented fear. I have come a long way.
And, I have a long way yet to go. I am improving daily.
It’s true what they say: what we do everyday defines us. What we choose to make into a habit and what we follow through on when no one is watching makes us who we are.
Well, I am slowly but surely, and intentionally turning into a swimmer.
What are you consciously or subconsciously becoming?
