Embracing the Meandering Path of Life: A Deep Dive into the Rhythms of Existence

Me swimming at Trevone Sea Pool, Cornwall

Wild Water

🏊‍♀️❄ Allow me to take you on a journey into the crisp waters of my newfound passion—cold water wild swimming. Since the summer of 2022, I've been immersing myself in the embrace of my local marine lake, accompanied by my trusty swimming buddy Pippa. Yes we have the same name and we even spell it the same way but luckily she goes by the name Pippa.

Our aquatic escapades, initially a seasonal affair, have blossomed into a thrice-weekly ritual, persisting even through the biting chill of our first winter when temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -1°C in December. Brrrr! It was a far cry from when we started in July as a way to escape the city summer heat.

As the seasonal shift this year heralds, once again, the approach of colder waters, a subtle nervousness tugs at me. Rain pouring and winds howling, there are moments when the prospect of a swim seems less appealing. Yet, we persist, and the reluctance transforms into a victorious sense of accomplishment. Well, almost always—except for that one unforgettable day when the elements had their way. But let's not dwell on the rare missteps; they are the spice that adds flavour to the adventure.

Structured Lanes

In a recent conversation about swimming, a friend shared their preference for the structured lanes of a pool—the disciplined strokes, the rhythmic ploughing up and down. This revelation sparked contemplation on the divergent paths we choose, contrasting the methodical with the free-spirited. Our marine lake adventures, devoid of lanes, allow us to meander wherever the water beckons, navigating the deeper parts to avoid our feet touching the squelchy bottom.

Life’s Parallels

This aquatic metaphor led me to delve deeper into life's parallels. The dichotomy between those swimmers who meander and those who stay in lanes mirrors the diversity of human existence. There's no inherent superiority in one approach over the other—no right or wrong, better or worse. We are simply different, and that's not just okay; it's beautiful. The crux lies in fostering a world where every individual feels liberated to be authentically themselves, irrespective of their chosen path.

In the tapestry of my own life, I once swam in lanes—following the structured trajectory of career, family, and societal expectations. However, I discovered that my true contentment lies in the gentle circles of meandering. Life, much like the vast expanse of the marine lake, offers diverse routes for exploration. So, I pose the question to you, dear reader: Are you a lanes person, navigating life with a structured rhythm, or do you find fulfilment in the liberating dance of meandering circles?

🔄✨ Dive into self-discovery and embrace the unique currents that shape your journey.

The photo accompanying this blog post is of Trevone Sea Pool, near Padstow, Cornwall, UK. Pippa and I were there in October 2023. There was quite a climb over the rocks from the footpath and it was really quite windy but it was worth all the effort to swim in the cold waters surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. My happy place!

Further information:

You can hear the writer talk more about being an HSP on the HSP Connection Podcast which she co-hosts with Robbie Leigh. There is also an HSP Connection Community where we meet twice a month to embrace our superpower. If you’d like to know more, contact Philippa.