What Diving into the Sea Taught Me About Wellbeing, Courage & Gratitude
I recently went for a swim in the sea. It was cold.
However, the best solution for getting over initial shock at entering this new situation was to dive in head-first. I’ve often thought this about swimming, and my brother and I (who were both brought up on the edge of the English Lake District) are of the same mind in this opinion.
I like swimming. I love being in, or on, or near water. A couple of years ago I was not very well, and bought myself an inflatable kayak from a supermarket. The sensation of floating, of drifting down the River Thames or of paddling hard to get my speed up and to feel my muscles stretch was intoxicating. It did me a world of good. Plus, the trip to a pub afterwards was nice.
I suppose all of this is worth saying because it points to a few truths:
- Water is good for you. This fact has been true as long as humans have existed (see Psalm 23, an ancient Middle Eastern poem that refers to being led beside ‘still waters’), but has also been backed up by more recent research.
- Sometimes, in order to enjoy something – or even to get over an initial shock of adjustment – you have to dive in. Head first. Get it over and done with. Be brave.
- The feeling of surrender is unlike any other in the universe. If you can, in a safe way, allow yourself to be held, perhaps by Something Greater than yourself, then that is a powerful thing. ‘Remember that you are upon earth,’ as the ancients have said.
So, I enjoyed my swim in the sea. I’m still warming up from it, and I’m grateful for a warm spring sun. The cup of tea is also nice, as is the beer and the company of a friend.
Life is good, if we notice the things for which we have reason to be grateful. I, for one, am glad that I dove head-first into the Irish Sea. I’m also glad that I found dry land to come out to afterwards.
All Photos by Jeff Slater
About the Author: Jeff Slater
