I was going to first write about the criticisms of a medical system that relies on quantitative measures (Body Roundness Index, anyone?) for standards of health. Then I thought about the wellness industry because of an article I read in the New York Times (3 Days of Healing, Hope and ‘Snake Oil’ With the Wellness Elite, published Nov 8). Then maybe I thought I could write about the benefits of therapeutic massage, since I just got one that left me feeling a bit beaten up (all good now!).
These are all good topics, but maybe for another day. At this moment, I don’t want to write about topics that might bring a sense of negativity. Maybe it’s because of the results of the US election. Or because I’m going through a bit of a rough patch with a friendship. Or maybe because I’m juggling several things at work and my brain is busy enough.
So maybe I’ll write about the things that are bringing me some peace and joy right now:
- Swimming! (surprise, surprise) I am loving our practices, especially doing sets of longer distances (6 x 200, 3 x 400). I love getting into a rhythm, focussing on technique, feeling my body working with the water, feeling the water. I’m not pushing myself too hard this early in the season, so I am loving just focussing on technique. Here I am, on the pool deck after a good hard swim, holding my rainbow pull buoy that everyone loves!
2. Also swimming: this time, a plunge into the cool waters of Lake Erie at Port Stanley last weekend! A group from the swim team has been going to the lake once every month this year. I missed October, so it was good to join them again. The low autumn sun played beautifully on the water, and the “swim” (about 10 meters!) was invigorating, to say the least (water temperature was about 14C).
And we ended up at my friends’ hot tub afterwards, which of course lasted longer than the swim!
3. Lifting weights: Not doing as much as I’d like, but when I do it, I enjoy the feeling of strength in my muscles. So pleased to be lifting at the age of 59, as I started at 20, and am lifting heavier than I did back then! I am constantly inspired by Alex Rotas and her call to “normalize grey hair and muscles” through her photography.
4. The simplicity of quietly enjoying a good book and a good beer in my home. I’m very lucky to be living in a house that I own that is my sanctuary. No kids, no pets, no drama. Suits me well.
I hope all of you have been enjoying moving your bodies in whatever ways make you feel the same sort of peace and joy. You are all stronger than you know.
