Facing Fear

www.turtlesyoga.com

What does fear look like anyway? I suppose it is a very personal creation, each fear different, twisting inside in some dark way.  My fear of water and  the inability to swim taunts me. Here you are in the ocean in Australia; others jumping waves; me fearing for my life. Now here you are in the lovely public pool of Monflanquin; others whooping and laughing as they play and swim; me feeling awkward and a bit pathetic.  Now  here you are in another gorgeous pool, this time in Hong Kong with Bill and Daniel. As they swim laps, I hang out in the training pool behind the aqua gym class; each Chinese woman in her numbered bathing cap smiling and waving at me.  Enough! I appreciate their friendliness, but it's time to take action.

Back in Portland, I resolve to start the process of learning to swim. I am now in an aqua gym class at Turtles. See web site above. The instructor is one of the kindest people I have ever met.  After several months of classes, I love being in the water, can do all kinds of exercises with and without  props. BUT I STILL CAN'T SWIM. I dream I can swim, but I can't. Starting in January, I am taking swimming lessons. Stay tuned.