Oh the best laid plans. I had no plan to swim today, and after yesterday’s icy swim didn’t even consider when I’d dip in again.
I made it less than 24 hours.
Nature called me back. This afternoon I couldn’t sit still as I attempted my 3-month overdue project sewing more masks for family and friends. As I sat at my machine my mind went to that list of top worries: my struggling sons, the pending election and a world abuzz in so many woes. And no end to the pandemic in sight.
After a few glances out of the window at the lowering sun, a quick pep talk to myself about the freedom an escape to saltwater nearby might provide me and an utterly unscientific assessment of the likelihood that the sun would be shining at Fletcher’s Landing awhile longer, I made the call. I dashed about quickly getting geared up and hit the road.
At the landing I was thrilled to find not only a bright sun beaming down, but also to discover a sun quite high in the sky. A golden invitation to brave the waters and slow time for a moment.
A small chop met me on entry, and I stood for awhile, eyes closed, dipping my hands in and out of the water. Hoping to avoid the brain freeze I experienced yesterday, I splashed my face at least a dozen times, giving my mind time to catch up with the inevitable.
Perhaps it was the sun, or the warm memories that flooded in as I stood in the same shallow water where my middle school friends frolicked last month, but whatever the reason, the cold wasn’t so cold.
I swam north into the bay, the water a fuzzy green, my mind absorbed in each stroke, while my lungs worked to take in the air deeply, settling my thoughts like sand after the waves roll out.
I did promise myself a short swim, as I heeded the advice of other swimmers on the necessity of shorter swims this time of year—and didn’t wish to push my luck.
Inside the spit I paused to look up at the blue sky rimmed with fluffy clouds and watched a seagull fly west into the sun.
Midway in the bay I crossed over between two docks, my invisible turn around spot, and gave my energy over to the swim. I swam hard back to the road end, arriving winded and pleased with my decision to take the plunge today.
I hoped to find peace afloat today and I did. Like a good friend, I always feel welcome here.
My thoughts, my wishes, my fears, my sorrow and my joy keep me company here. There is infinite space here for all I carry and all I need to set down.
As I stepped to shore, I looked down to find bright green seaweed glistening in the sun. Little waves rolled in over bright white shells and speckled rocks. The sun hit my back, softening my shoulders from the strenuous swim. All of this reminding me that we are never alone.
Nature provides and nurtures us. We just need to notice the details, the broken shells, the drifting leaves, the soaring birds and show gratitude by getting quiet and relearning how to take care of the only world we have.
Mary Swims 
💙🧵🏡🧵💙🧚♂️