By The Green Parent
23rd June 2022
“I’m a mum to a 17-year-old and six-year-old. I started ‘properly’ cold water swimming at the end of summer, last year, after being a fair weather dipper, and have been hooked ever since. I blame the lack of water element in my astrological chart for the call of water. I’ve always been drawn to it. When I was little, I was forever taking my shoes and socks off and paddling when everyone else was wrapped up warm. However, when I grew up, I’d always make excuses to avoid cold-water swimming. ‘I’m too big to wear a costume. It’s too cold. I’m not a strong swimmer.’ Thankfully my inner mer-babe told my self doubt to shut the hell up and I took the plunge.
Last year I asked my friend, Sammi, if she fancied joining me for a swim and we have swum at least three times a week since. Feeling my body pass through the cold water instantly releases the stress, overthinking and anxiety from the day or week. The ripples and currents cleanse me down to my soul.
In the water I feel so connected to myself – the real me – and to Mother Earth. Swimming sparks ideas and the creativity I thought I’d lost long ago. The water allows me to process hurt and grief from my past. It deepens my breath. It gives me clarity. Most importantly, it makes me want to take better care of myself and the world around me. I feel empowered and want to share the healing and feeling of being in the water.
We’ve had a number of first timers join us; one lady we’d never met approached us after being drawn to us and the call of the water. We met for a swim the following week and she shared her experiences of grief and how she needed time out for herself. As we left she was beaming and thanked us for listening and understanding. It felt amazing to be approachable for someone to share their troubles and give them the confidence to experience the healing of cold water swimming.
Partly due to this, we have signed up to be Mental Health Swim supports. We are really excited about empowering others to take the plunge and help promote positive mental health.”
“Feeling my body pass through the cold water instantly releases the stress”
Sometimes we need to defrost the car, sometimes it’s raining and dreary but most swims have provided us with a sunrise light show. Yes it’s cold, yes sometimes we have doubts but it’s also a challenge that we have faced and enjoyed together. We are both mums to busy little boys so these moments of peace in the cold water are ours and ours alone. We talk and dream of summer swims when our families can play on the beach and normality is resumed. Those days are coming but meanwhile we are enjoying the moment.
We try to stay in a little longer each week and our bodies are definitely adjusting. The cold water awakens the body and mind and the accomplishment boosts us for our day ahead. Give it a try; you might just love it. We call it vitamin sea.”
This article originally appeared in issue 101 of The Green Parent magazine. Get the whole edition delivered to your door. Click the button below
