Having the Courage

Spreading the LOVE

​I’ve always loved being in the water! I learned to swim at a very young age. As a kid, I would spend as long as my Mom would allow in a nearby community pool. When I grew tall and could no longer do gymnastics, I made the transition to diving. 


This week, I had a very special opportunity to share my love of water with someone who feels quite differently about it. 😉 Wana, my friend from Zambia, is here for the BIGGBY Nation Summit. Before heading to Detroit, we decided to hit my old stomping grounds: The Holland Aquatic Center.

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“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day 
is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”

~ Etty Hillesum

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Hello friends!

Today, a note about courage. Specifically, the courage to try something new. 

It’s one thing to try a new restaurant, or listen to some new music, or anything else that is super low risk. 

But what about trying something that you’re afraid of? 

For me, being in water feels uplifting . . . a type of refuge. It’s familiar. It’s comfortable. Its buoyancy brings out a childlike playfulness in me. 
Time in water leaves me feeling renewed and revitalized. 

My friend Wana does not know how to swim. In fact, until this week, he had never been IN a pool. During his travels, Wana sometimes has to take a ferry boat, or cross a river in a small row boat. For him? Not knowing how to swim makes these experiences pretty terrifying. So, when we learned that Wana would be in town for a few days before the BIGG Annual Meeting, we asked if he’d be interested in giving swimming a try. 

Wana bought a bathing suit and arrived super open to the experience. 

I have to tell you, as soon as we walked into the pool, and I got that first whiff of chlorine? My stomach did its own little flip! Yep, after all these years, that smell brings back memories of the diving competition days. 🤪

Wana did an amazing job. He learned to put his head under water and blow bubbles. He extended his body and allowed himself to be in a supported float. He learned the motions of treading water, and he used a kick board so he could flutter his legs and propel himself forward. He was full of determination and effort! 

After a while, we were both feeling chilly and a little worn out, so we decided it was time for the hot tub! 

I have to tell you, the current Holland Aquatic Center is NOT my Holland Community Pool of decades gone by. 😉 Not only did Wana enjoy the hot tub, we also checked out the Steam Room and the Sauna . . . so many firsts for my friend! 

It may take a few more lessons before Wana is gliding along in those swim lanes, but I was super impressed by his courage. 

It’s not that easy to put yourself into a vulnerable situation . . . when you’re unsure of how things will go. 

I’m super thankful for his trust, and I’m inspired by his willingness to try something he’s frightened by. 

In fact, later that night I lead a sound bath for a big group. Inspired by Wana’s willingness to try, I sang some mantra during the sound bath. Do I love singing in a car or in the shower? You bet! But, in front of people gathered around me on a deck in the woods? YIKES! 

My throat bunched up, and my voice got wobbly, and you know what? It’s okay. 
I’ll try again next time, and eventually I’ll build a bit more confidence. 

So friends, here’s to getting out there and having new experiences. 
To trying something we’re a bit afraid of. 🤩

Reminders: NO Yacht Club yoga this Saturday, September 13. 

I’ll see you again at SYC on Saturday, September 20 | 8:30 A
Sunday, September 21  | Fall Equinox @ Oval Beach | 4-5:30 P

Full of heart light and love,
~m