I loved this. Sian is one amazing woman to have come up with the foundation for this community. I've never heard of anything like it. And you, Dear Em, I am so grateful for this introduction to the healing power of acceptance and comradery in the joyful act of swimming. Wow.
The sea pool, the community and the experience sounds glorious!! You have really captured the magic and the feeling of belonging in a group of different women united by the healing powers of showing up, talking and of course, the water xx
What a breathtakingly beautiful description of community, ‘held in the moment’.
While I long for it, I find the concept of ‘community’ comes with a heavy shadow: show up for your neighbours! Be there in good times and bad! When seen in action, it is glorious—and so needed! But overwhelming to someone with executive disorder who struggles to show up for herself, nearly always facing the choice of ‘which essential thing isn’t getting done today in my own life today?’
I’ve experienced it, though, this momentary community. Even briefer than what you describe. It’s not even that hard to create, commenting on or complimenting something obvious about another person as you stand in line, or wait at the crosswalk, or look for the same thing in the grocery aisle. It leads to a little back-and-forth, sometimes. It can veer into unexpected territory, reveal surprising similarities. Despite my hermit tendencies, I find these fleeting moments deeply nourishing. I look into another human face, alive in the same place with them. Sometimes there aren’t even words, but it’s still community.
Quinn I love this perspective. Yes those fleeting moments can be so significant, and deeply nourishing as you say. There are so many aspects of community - this is something I talk about in the book. Sometimes it can be a shared readership - we have that here. And the struggle of showing up for ourselves - there are so many who relate to that. It really does come in all shapes and sizes. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Much love x
I loved this. Sian is one amazing woman to have come up with the foundation for this community. I've never heard of anything like it. And you, Dear Em, I am so grateful for this introduction to the healing power of acceptance and comradery in the joyful act of swimming. Wow.
xx
She really is - it's quite incredible. Thank you as always lovely Frances. I wonder if you have a community like this anywhere near you? xx
Congratulations on your published book!
Thanks so much!! It still feels very surreal... x
The sea pool, the community and the experience sounds glorious!! You have really captured the magic and the feeling of belonging in a group of different women united by the healing powers of showing up, talking and of course, the water xx
Aah thank you, it really is magical. And yes, it's all in the showing up, however that may be. Much love xx
Amazing! What a thing to have begun, a space open to so many and such a welcome community. I love the insight into how it begun.
Thank you! ❤️❤️
What a breathtakingly beautiful description of community, ‘held in the moment’.
While I long for it, I find the concept of ‘community’ comes with a heavy shadow: show up for your neighbours! Be there in good times and bad! When seen in action, it is glorious—and so needed! But overwhelming to someone with executive disorder who struggles to show up for herself, nearly always facing the choice of ‘which essential thing isn’t getting done today in my own life today?’
I’ve experienced it, though, this momentary community. Even briefer than what you describe. It’s not even that hard to create, commenting on or complimenting something obvious about another person as you stand in line, or wait at the crosswalk, or look for the same thing in the grocery aisle. It leads to a little back-and-forth, sometimes. It can veer into unexpected territory, reveal surprising similarities. Despite my hermit tendencies, I find these fleeting moments deeply nourishing. I look into another human face, alive in the same place with them. Sometimes there aren’t even words, but it’s still community.
Quinn I love this perspective. Yes those fleeting moments can be so significant, and deeply nourishing as you say. There are so many aspects of community - this is something I talk about in the book. Sometimes it can be a shared readership - we have that here. And the struggle of showing up for ourselves - there are so many who relate to that. It really does come in all shapes and sizes. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Much love x
And thank you for the introduction to the BlueTits! I’m a swimmer, and there isn’t a community nearby, but I may go check one out!
definitely do! If you're travelling around you may be surprised where you can find them... have fun! xx