Allowing Space for Resolution

Getting Past an Exercise Block

For some time now swimming has been an important component of my exercise routine. I joined my exercise gym based on two major criteria-it's short distance to my home and the swimming pool. Swimming has been my go-to on days when I need a break from resistance and other bone strengthening training sessions. It allows me to extend all my back muscles and stretch into the ribs in a gravity free environment. Perhaps more importantly, water can be great for the nervous system. It has always had a calming effect on me. On good days, a few laps in, I feel the stokes become rhythmic and its practically therapeutic.

A few weeks ago, a third swimmer entered the lane I was sharing with another swimmer. She assumed that we'd both seen her and collided into him. No one was injured but I found the experience jarring. I couldn't shake it off and resume my workout; I left early that day and haven't returned to the pool since.

Initially, I had to recognize and accept that for reasons I couldn't pinpoint at the time, I was turned off. I had to ignore the impulse to compel myself to return. I resolved to be away from the pool and assured myself that mixing up the routine could be beneficial. I also needed space to figure out what it meant emotionally. I think the accident that day brought out feelings of uncertainty and fear. Until then, I hadn't considered the possibility of having an accident in the pool. My sense of calm and safety had been interrupted and I had to accept that the unpredictable can happen anywhere, at any time. My goal is to be back in the coming week to reclaim the soothing sensations of the water-it's ability to at once invigorate and relax body and mind.

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