Pool
As I swim around my circle like a goldfish, the only sign of my kids in the water are the two pairs of goggles and the water guns floating around the pool that I had optimistically bought back in May. My 13- and 22-year-old kids have sadly lost interest, so it’s become my private oasis.
Labor Day weekend brought 90-degree sunshine to the northeast this year, gracing me with the chance to steal one last week out of our backyard pool. Our 18-foot circular above ground pool is only 4 feet deep, but large enough for me to get lost in its buoyant saltwater.
I play my favorite songs from my dated iPod through a nearby dock. I swim back and forth, I float, and I move my body in ways I cannot from outside the water. Underwater splits and modern dance poses, walking backwards with my arms elongated like a figure skater preparing for a jump. Rotating my body like a gymnast in midair.
On the really hot summer nights, I float beneath the stars like a starfish staring up at the illuminated sky.
My 52-year-old self feels weightless within the water, able to move with grace, revealing the wonders and beauty of my physical body.
The waterfall-like sound of water flowing through the filter adds to the sensory escape from the day’s challenges. The sunlight reflecting on and peeking through the green leaves of the large, mature trees overhead pulls my mind away from its constant state of problem solving.
Being in water somehow revitalizes and invigorates me while also force relaxing all my muscles and tension. After a warm shower, my body feels a state of calm unlike any other (although a great massage or really good sex can be as powerful:).
As the temperatures drop at the end of this week, I will sadly say goodbye to our backyard pool, and begin driving to an indoor recreation center pool to carry me through the coming winter. Yet another blessing in my life to be grateful for.
So for today, I am grateful for these last 5 days of 90 degree weather helping to carry me through this stressful back to school week full of transitions good and bad…giving me the chance to feel the wonders of my body.