Swimming has many benefits for both our physical and mental health. That is quite clear and beyond debate. For me, however, I want to take the benefits of swimming one step further: it provides me with an opportunity to train my Stoic mindset.
It was only in my adult life that I developed an affinity for swimming. In fact, just a few years ago, I did not know how to swim at all.
Deep water was an object of fear for me. But after gathering my courage, I decided to face that fear and began taking swimming lessons. Even now that I can swim decently, the familiar anxious feeling of possibly drowning still sneaks up on me from time to time.
Despite my fear of deep water, however, I have gradually developed a genuine affinity for swimming. It has become a passion of mine — so much so that my swimming sessions often determine my mood.
If a practice goes well, my mood is lifted. But if, for some reason, the session does not go as I had hoped, I cannot help but feel deflated. In any case, I remain determined to work hard so that my swimming skills continue to improve.
In both respects — conquering my fear and improving my skills — the philosophy of Stoicism has played, and continues to play, a crucial role.
