The Reward is the Journey

It's gotten colder. Quite a bit colder, actually. I woke up to a fluttering of snow on Saturday. It was crisp and bright. Winter made her long awaited appearance. It was the most beautiful day to give my long winter coat (something of a favourite that rarely fails to attract remark amongst my generously complimentary friends) it's first outing of the season.  I was attending a Study Day in central London meaning that I didn't manage to really greet the elements until Sunday.  The pool beckoned mid morning, after the Club races had concluded, at which time I swam mostly toute seule. My swims follow something of a predictable routine: creature of habit that I am... I get changed quickly and sit on the edge at the deep end, legs dangling, gauging the temperature whilst I adjust my swimming caps (I have been wearing two since the end of September; silicone for now, to be replaced with neoprene shortly).  My toes alerted me to the fact that the te...

To learn how to teach is to re learn completely, and entirely.   You must first forget what you have assumed and let go of all that you think you understand.   To ask the right question you need to reconsider where it is that you stand.   As only from the correct angle, will your perspective show you that which you must surely grasp. A beginner's mind is a pre requisite... Just as one can compose colours, or forms,  so one can compose motions. Alexander Calder I am delighted to be spending time thinking about how best to share my passion and pass on to others the skills I have been lucky enough to develop.   Swimming is to me far more than an activity that keeps me fit.  To swim is to feel alive, and well.  For it is in the water that I feel best able to bring mind and body together.     I use the water to alter my mind, and swimming to enhance my mood.  It is, through movement in the wate...