Meditation in the Swimming Pool?

Swimming.

It's one of the best exercises you can do.

This morning, I went to the gym and I had the swimming pool to myself.  It was sweet!

It was only me and my thoughts for the next hour. Well, thirty minutes.  Then, an older gentleman waded into the swimming pool in the next lane.

He explained to me that swimming was his meditation of the day.  He was alone with his thoughts and he felt great the rest of the day if he started his day by swimming.  It made him feel good about exercising as he reflected on his life, his family, and his children.  It was his quiet time.  After explaining all of this during a few laps side-by-side, he laughed and apologized for ruining my meditation.  I laughed.

What he said had value.  Swimming can be meditative and reflective.  I never really thought about it like that until now, but I moved out of the crowded gym where I encountered people who told me how to exercise, asked me rude questions, asked me on dates, or judged me and my life. Trust me, it's much quieter in the swimming pool.  Even when six people take turns in what is essentially four lanes, the swimming pool is still quieter and less judgmental than the rest of the gym.

I love people, but no one likes being judged.  So, if you've just joined a gym and you find yourself faltering or not going to the gym regularly because you feel people are judging you, go to the swimming pool and take a dip.  Meditation and reflection both soothe the soul.