TOTALLY IMMERSED: BEYOND SWIMMING

Part 1

For many of us, the practice of Total Immersion goes far beyond swimming. Over the months and years, we discover many ways that the mindful practice of swimming enhances other areas of our lives. This "carryover process" begins as we realize how much impact our approach to the practice of swimming has on the quality of our workouts: We enjoy a more fulfilling experience during our swims and feel the residual of that fulfillment for sometime afterward. For those of us who are performance-oriented, we also discover that training with curiosity, attentiveness, serenity and patience empowers our capacity to produce breakthrough performances – without the risk of injury, burnout and illness often associated with such efforts. (How many times has Terry emphasized this?)

While the "measurable content" of TI consists of clearly defined drills and techniques that enable us to feel balanced and relaxed as we swim, it is the approach to our swimming sessions that truly orients and guides us towards these feelings of well-being. Mindful approach is an essential factor in the practice of yoga, meditation, T’ai Chi, TI, etc.

What exactly is approach? Your state of mind and state of body together constitute your approach to any specific task or relationship. This body/mind state just prior to and during a training/practice session is perhaps the most significant factor that determines the quality of your experience. A relaxed, supple and sensitive body, and a quiet, curious and attentive mind are essential for great swim technique and graceful movement. I invite you to respond to this blog by describing what qualities of body and mind most enhance your swim experience.

As a Total Immersion Coach, and as a triathlon coach, here is a bit of advise I offer to all of my clients: Approach each training session as if it is the first time ever that you will engage in this activity. Take nothing for granted. In Buddhism, this is called "beginner’s mind". It assures a fresh start for each session. At the same time, approach each training session as is it is the very last time you will ever have the opportunity – indeed the privilege – to engage in training.

Privilege? Consider this: Less than one-tenth of one percent of the world’s population has the health, wealth and political and cultural freedom to enjoy the opportunities we have as athletes. It is indeed a privilege to train and study movement as an endurance athlete – to enjoy the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits such a lifestyle affords.

The greatest value I get from my lifestyle as a long course age group triathlete is the daily practice of constructing my approach to each training session. Over the years, this daily familiarity with the practice of constructing my approach towards my athletic training sessions has inspired me to use the same practice with every task and every relationship of my life. When I am successful in my approach, I am completely engaged, totally immersed and empowered with brilliance. Every day, I am grateful for the privilege to train and to live this way!

Shane Eversfield is Head Coach at Lake Placid Total Immersion Swim Studio, (http://www.totalimmersion.net/lake-placid-swim-studio) is author of "Zendurance, a Spiritual Fitness Guide for Endurance Athletes" (available here on the TI website: http://www.totalimmersion.net/store/books/zendurance.html) and author of over 25 articles published in triathlon magazines. (All articles are archived at:http://www.zendurance.net/essays.htm)   Contact him: shane@totalimmersion.net