BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE CONTINUED RISK OF COVID-19. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. THANK YOU FOR SWIMMING AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY.
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a remarkable documentary trending hard on Netflix at the moment, titled “My Octopus teacher” It’s a true story about a man and an octopus…yes, you read that correctly, an octopus…and their special relationship they forge together. Craig Foster , our swimmer in question, swims every single day for 1 year, in the freezing waters off South Africa’s Cape Town coastline and befriends this inquisitive cephalopod, or perhaps she befriends him, and she shares the mysteries of her world.
Does this sound familiar BnBer’s? You betcha. I’m almost certain that as we swim everyday, our pink caps are recognised by our ocean dweller friends…and if you’re not convinced then you haven’t read the “ Life down under” blogs by Anne and Gary.
Everyday we are taught lessons from our swim across the Bay. We are humbled by the beauty and fierceness of Mother Nature and we are blessed by her waters that surround us. Foster says in the film, “ What she taught me was to feel…that you’re part of this place, not a visitor. That’s a huge difference”
Fosters documentary is a stunning account of a curious tale of human and animal interaction rarely seen under water, unless you swim with the BNB of course. Which begs the question, "What does Cabbage Tree Bay teach you?"
Now it’s time to meet some of the students…
Chris, Far right, said it teaches him to stay calm, especially this morning. And Suzy says patience. Waiting for the right time to swim different parts of the bay can literally be the difference in sinking or swimming. Johnny, wasn’t sure what the swim has taught him but he knows he’s learnt a lot!
Andrew, the 'svelte' looking swimmer in the red trim wetty, believes the swim has taught him how not to drown! Thank goodness for that.
Adrian and Marco have certainly been paying attention. Adrian believes that since the bay is a sanctuary, it means that everything is as it should be...as nature intended. And Marco learns to appreciate the day after he swims.
This happy group were a little stumped by the question at first but then we had a poignant moment. Peta, Derrick, Clare, Penny ( a marine biologist ) and Peter. Penny says that swimming here as given her an important connection with the natural world and these sentiments were echoed by the group. Derrick then went on to say how we are descendants from the sea and we are apart of it. Lovely. Peter, said we should respect and inspect the conditions. Clever.
Michelle, Martin and Gemma. These guys were all about learning to respect the ocean and know your limits, especially today ( see pic below).
Daniel, Jesse, 'Newport John' and Natalie collectively agreed that power of the ocean teaches them to push your limits, whilst acknowledging them of course, and and always swim with it, not against it. That's good advice guys.
There was another prophetic bunch of peeps that I chatted to, but it appears I missed the photo op! Jo, Jim, Danny and artist Fiona, also had lessons good enough to share. Fiona said "we as humans are apart of nature and not outside of it.." And Jo is constantly tapping into a childlike playfulness and joy as she swims. Jim has learnt humility, again, especially when the sea is little turbulent like this morning.
Amanda, Lainey and newbie, Ali. Amanda believes that she is addicted to the ocean, a good kind of addiction and Ali as a newbie, was super nervous before her swim but has been left feeling exhilarated..and her newly acquired tip...don't swallow too much water.
Lastly Lainey, also a teacher and underwater photographer extraordinaire, leaves us with this:
" We are taught here not only to face your fears, but embrace them as well. We are at the mercy of something bigger then ourselves but when we dive in, we are left feeling empowered, confident and at one with nature" I couldn't have put it better myself.
Enjoy your day and if you haven't already, watch the film. There really is a lesson in it for all.
Keep swimming
Fin Yoga x
Recent Comments