As I sat and watched families on the beach, I thought about the fine art of floating. I believe it’s an essential part of learning to swim, as it requires learning to relax in the water. It’s also a safety maneuver; if you get exhausted in the water and think you may go under, the answer is to turn onto your back and float.
The hard part is relaxing when your adrenaline is pumping and your body is screaming to MOVE IT! When floating, if you tense your muscles, you sink.
I remember teaching each of our children to float. Of course I’d start by literally holding them up; my hands under them, supporting their back. As they learned to relax, it wasn’t long before I wasn’t even touching them. I would still let them get really comfortable and practice a lot before physically moving away. This makes me think of that old hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” Good to know His arms are always underneath us and He never moves away.
So this Monday’s stress management tip is FLOAT. It’s the best way to stay on top in these turbulent waters. The beach sang to me on Saturday. And the song was Don’t Worry Be Happy.
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9 comments:
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. By the looks of things, I think I'll be enjoying YOUR blog too!
I used to live in Florida...and would LOVE to plan my errands around a trip to the beach. Sigh...just thinking about that makes me less stressed. But all we have here is the muddy Ohio river.
And do you always do a stress management tip on Mondays? What a wonderful idea!!!!
You got me thinking about maybe a new Wednesday theme....
Blessings to you on this stress-free (grin) Monday.
Sandy
Being on a beach, feeling the sun on my face the sand between my toes is the best thing I know.;)
I remember when I learned to swim; I was about 9 years old and it happened similar to the way you describe here, while vacationing around the Mediterranean. It was ideal to learn it in the salty water as one can "float" easier there.;)
Hope your Monday is lovely and stress-free as well.;)
Thanks for the reminder. You are so good at taking the simple and making it such a great insight into God. Also, thanks for taking me to the beach (in my mind's eye) and helping me to "feel" the sand between my toes and the sun on face! I enjoyed my "vacation" and now I can relax and not worry because I am truly happy!
We were at the beach as well on Sunday. I forgot to put on sunblock though so I look like a lobster. My father taught me to float. He was a lifeguard back in those days.
mmmmmmmm..wish i was at the beach now!
Wait. Did you just say you planned your errands around a trip to the beach? Wow. It's a little hard for me, a midwestern girl, to get my little brain around that. I am more envious of that statement than you will ever know!
Good for you, Beverly!! Let's all chill a bit!
Ahhh! The blessings of sun, surf, salt and sand! Great ingredients for getting real and relaxed! Real: I am NOT in control! Relaxed: God is!
My husband and I just spent time at the beach, too! But! Just a bit north of Florida! Yesterday we had the crazy, wonderful--and totally RELAXING--gift of a summer day (97 degrees)in April at the Jersey Shore!
I love these sweet surprises from God! They can truly lighten our minds and bodies--as we let our souls float in the goodness of God's loving kindness, kept safe in God's ever-lasting arms!
You are a beautiful encourager, Bev!
My 5 yr old swam the length of the pool yesterday! (25 meters). She is fearless in the water.
I loved this analogy. Great writing.
My kids learned to float when they were 6 months old...well, that's when they started the classes anyways :)
and to this day, as much as I love the water, scuba dive, swim, etc...
I can not float. Even instructors are perplexed by my body and it's inability to float, hahaha!!!
BG
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