It Is Near 7am.

+  24 November 2009  +


It is 7am. Or almost. The air temperature for this time of the year is approximately 43°. The sun is shining, it is late November and a relatively nice day. There is steam rising from the pool.


I often say “my favorite time to swim is January mornings and it is raining”. 
January is six weeks away. But for now, I settle for a temperature in the low forties and the sun. The temperature of the water is certainly no more than twice that of the air. There is uncertainty here. What is the comfort level like in the water? For the inexperienced there is an unfair assumption. “It’s too cold for comfort.” For me, I don’t think about the comfort level. I just “do” it.

Here is the kicker: once you enter the water you do not want to leave. The water is an insular blanket (to me). The water, the pool and I converse with each other. The steam rises from the pool and I may not be able to see the opposite end of the pool. But who cares? One feels their way. The opposite end of this swim, this microcosmic road is out there. But it is the process, this journey that matters most to me. This process and its attached journey succeeds in engaging my mind and body to take on the day’s challenges. The steam evaporates just like negative thoughts and restlessness. Consequently, today’s distance swam and its set holds less significance.


For me an outdoor swim with an air temperature in the forties does not leave me in a state of discomfort. In fact I embrace the opportunity to swim outdoors. Add some rain and the air temperature decreases. I still embrace. Add some wind and the short walk across the pool after a morning swim may seem like eternity. “Walk, don’t run.” The embrace is still there. With wind and rain the embrace is mutually shared. In exchange, the layers of invigoration build upon themselves. The endorphins kick in. I feel ten feet tall. I feel symmetry. The frustrating maze of life seems temporarily dismantled. Does this swim feel better than having won the lottery? Does this swim feel better than love making? This is what it feels like at this hour of the day after a swim. I have been here before many times. So what else is new?


Rain or shine, it is all a bit of a mindset.