I was born into a family of swimmers, destined to dive into whatever body of water appeared in front of us, with little thought about temperature or current or logic, and I must say this one familial trait is one that I am most grateful for on the day to day through all my years. Both my parents were keen swimmers from start to finish and made sure that their whole brood learned the skill, as they did for my children too. Despite all their best preparations, I did almost drown one summer afternoon when I was probably five or six and we were all enjoying Jones Beach on Long Island. I followed an older brother out beyond my own ability, and eventually lost my strength. He buoyed me as best he could until the strong arm of the lifeguard pressed tight across my chest and ferried me to shore where my panicked parents stood waiting. When I recall that singular event I feel no fear only the salt water coursing around me, waves clipping my face, the broad blue below and above equally enticing, feeling safe somehow. I remember the whole experience with love too, water logged love.

What is it about water that draws most people? On a summer day every inch of shoreline, riverbank, sandy beach or pool side is packed with throngs of folks dipping in as far as they dare. Every health benefit you might ever dream up is available in those places where the horizon rests beyond limitations and takes us all to something else. Straight into possibility. Whether you allow yourself water time or not, the sights and sounds will elevate your state of mind into something like bliss. But if you do enter into the weightless water prepare to be lifted even higher. Peacefulness is your first reward.

Sure you can swim as sport, and there is certainly loads of adrenaline going as fast as possible, flipping lap after lap, beating your own personal best as well as the guy in the lane next to you, but you can just float about on a unicorn or paddle around with a floatie, with no other goal beyond pleasure. I guarantee you will get hooked if you allow the river, pond, ocean or pool water to carry you away. The sway is right there, prodding you straight into a better physical or mental state, with a simple kick and stroke keeping you afloat. Water play is rich with reward.

Often there is a tipping point in one’s life when you have to take a chance, head into the deep, have faith that you will not only survive the unknown, but even surprise yourself with creative bursts and successful ideas. Stroke after stroke, lap after lap, just keep going into that endless watery place where your best dreams reside.