I often analogize my life to swimming because I perceive many similarities between the two. For example, during my continued attempts to improve my stroke, I keep hearing the same things over and over from my coaches. I try to do what I understand them to be saying. I think I’m actually implementing their guidance. Yet, I keep hearing “catch-up drill,” which is a signal that I am windmilling, e.g., flailing my arms, or “your hand is still dragging in the water” or “you’re still arching your back.”
I become frustrated because I’m trying my best and I don’t know how I can better perform what they’re telling me to do. I recognize that my mind knows what to do, but the body is just used to doing things a certain way. I have to continuously tell my body, “no, do it this way.” In the beginning, my efforts require much concentration and focus because my body does not want to change. It wants to continue doing what it has always done. That’s the easy way.
I particularly forget my technique when I’m in a lane with faster swimmers. I do whatever it takes to keep up, even if my form is incorrect. Many nonprofessional swimmers swim faster by sheer strength and effort. Unfortunately, as we age, we tire more quickly when our body position and strokes are inefficient.
It’s easier to concentrate on my technique when I’m alone and not in a lane where people are pushing me to go faster because they’re behind me or I’m pushing myself to go faster because I want to keep up with those in front of me. When I’m in a lane by myself, I can focus on my technique. I can see myself begin to flow.
Life is similar. When I meditate, participate in a workshop, or have a good yoga session, I can see everything that I’m supposed to do correctly. I’m at peace. I determine to keep this feeling, this frame of mind; yet, before lunch, my mind becomes irritated at the things that people do and say. I know what my proper response should be, but I fall back into my comfortable ways of thinking and reacting. Try as I might, it often seems as though I’m just not getting it.
