Learning to Float

I come from away. How is it obvious? I like to swim in lakes. Unlike my friends who grew up in Nova Scotia, I prefer to actually feel my body while swimming. There’s a particular sound a person makes entering the Atlantic in early summer. It is not dignified.

So last weekend found me in a warm, quiet lake, doing my usual strokes. At some point, I turned onto my back and floated. It felt glorious, gently rocking in the water with the sun warming my skin. And suddenly it struck me that the water had been supporting me the whole time, during every laboured stroke. I just hadn’t noticed until I stopped.

Life is a lot like swimming. Most days are full of strokes. It requires effort to stay afloat and move forward, and there’s no shame in that. But we shouldn’t forget the waters that surround us. There are many things in life that offer support, community being a major one. And every so often, if we can trust enough to lie back, we may discover we are supported. Floating isn’t quitting. It’s letting ourselves be carried for a moment so we have strength for the next stretch.

Perhaps we’re all a little like that swimmer. A little tired. A little out of breath. But maybe, just maybe, we’re more supported than we know.

So let me ask: when was the last time you let yourself float?

If you’re looking for a place to catch your breath alongside people who understand, our group programs might be just the thing. Just drop Julie a line or give her a call – jwells@landingstrong.com, 902-472-2972.

Warmly,