Mindful to Inspiration
Hello, World!
I got to start swimming again with both arms this month after over three months lefty due to major shoulder surgery. On my first day back, I walked toward the pool with a host of feelings. I was excited and nervous, eager and hesitant, confident and afraid. I was all over the place! I was lucky enough to have that first swim back be with my friend Sinead O’Dwyer, a professional triathlete. I’m sure Sinead is as committed to me being back with both arms as I am. She made sure my mechanics were solid and she mixed up the swim workout so that each of the 5 links of 25 yards I got to swim using both arms was intentional, meaningful, and exciting.
I regularly practice mindfulness which I ask of my clients consistently. In the water I am mindful to how the water feels, how my shoulders feel rotating forward, catching, and pulling, to how visually stunning the world is looking up through water, to how my heart beats in my chest, to how my lungs hold my breath, and to how quiet feels in the water. Being in the water is one of my favorite places. I feel connected.
During that first swim back I shared a lane with Sinead. A gift. Sinead inspires me. Her commitment, focus, talent, discipline, and willingness to follower her dreams inspire me. The spark in her eye and radiant smile on her face enlivens those around her. I realized during the swim that I was being mindful to inspiration. Connecting to how important it is for us to be mindful of and connect to what and who inspires us. I found myself connected and motivated at a different level. A more meaningful level.
Since that swim, I have been more mindful to what and who inspires me throughout the day. The practice is enriching my days, filling up my heart and soul, and illuminating possibilities.
Whether it’s a friend taking tap dance because she’s always wanted to, my husband’s strength of consistency, the beauty of the stars blanketing the sky, or a friend preparing to welcome her first child.
I am being mindful to inspiration.
Be mindful to inspiration.