Many if not most students say treading water is one of their goals. Perhaps this is true for you too?

Before you start to learn ask yourself the most important question: why.

Why treading? What does it mean to you?

When I say what does it mean I’m am talking about why it matters to you. What you think you will be able to get from treading?

This is a very important step to be clear about your desires. Make a list.

From your list, you will want to see if treading is the only way to accomplish the items, the easiest way, and the most efficient way. Often the answer is no.

Treading water is a pinnacle activity. It is the accumulation of many different skills both physical and mental with a final result of being able to tread. When we talk to students who have learned to tread they often cannot really remember the process because it is not linear. As you develop as a swimmer with confidence, not overworking, feeling safe getting air in many ways, knowing how to rest, and many other areas you magically build up to the activity called treading.

One very common place we see swimmers start to tread is after jumping in the water. They are so excited about this pinnacle activity that they want to start talking and connect with others in their joy that they just start treading.

The fastest way for them to stop treading is when I point it out to them. This is when they remember, “I don’t know how to tread” and it falls apart.

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Foundation of Change Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Is Treading Water Your Goal? appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Now that January has ended, we start to ask, “wait what happened to my New Year’s resolutions: the goals, wishes, hopes, or intentions?”  

This year I kept my New Year’s goal simple.  I committed to dance once a week.  Now if you’ve followed me for a long time, you know this is not as simple as it sounds.  For years, I’ve said that I want to find someone who teaches dance the way I teach swimming. To develop my self-concept (feel like a dancer), while developing the physical skills.  Because yes, alone in my kitchen with some random music playing, I have been known to make a little wiggle and squiggle around that some might call dancing, but inside I didn’t feel like a dancer.    

This year will be different.  In the past, I’ve made the same error so many of us make to keep ourselves from changing.  If you actually want to grow, your focus must be on the growth zone.  

When you want to learn something new or make a change in your life, (dancing, loving your relationships to stepping onto a scale while being kind to yourself) we could put it into a pie chart.

Choose your goal.  Any goal from dancing to swimming, loving your relationships to stepping onto the scale with kindness.  This is what it looks like when you accomplish your goal.  

This is your goal, fully realized. 

When you start a new goal, the pie chart may look like this:

If you have ever missed a goal or dream it is because you spent your time on the red part of the pie (unknown). You thought about it, worried about it, and were overwhelmed with all the different steps involved. 

You will always go where your thoughts and attention are directed.  

The red zone can be overwhelming, feel impossible, confusing, and hard.  If you focus on the red zone, the goal will fade away (look for the next article to tell you why this makes you happy).

What you really want is to grow the green zone, no matter how big or little it is.  The goal is to expand the green zone, to build up the green part of the pie to widen its area.

The focus needs to be in the green to expand it. 

Now you may be screaming, “BUT I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!!”.  Your brain is wired to keep everything the same, “no changes please, just keep it the same so I don’t have to work hard”.  

This is when the green zone can help you answer with what you do know.

For my goal to dance, I need to answer with what I know about dancing.  I can actually dance in my kitchen…all alone with no one watching.  Showing myself that I do know things allows my brain to build on this self-concept with confidence.  

What do you know about your goal? What can you do already?

Before even coming to a class you are able to, choose swimwear, visit pools, watch youtube lessons, dip your toe in with online membership.  These are things you can do without overwhelming fear.  Let yourself do these. This counts. This focus on the green growing part will allow you to expand it.,  Expanding into it. 

As you expand the green zone, little bits of the red will start to become fuzzy lines of yellow.  You will be tempted to chase something in the red zone.  But stay in the green and get curious about the yellow.  Expand yourself.

Use the yellow zone to be curious; Be willing to explore, ask good questions, and investigate.  Allow yourself to grow with confidence, grace, and ease.

When you are ready for some help expanding your green growing zone, we are here for you.  Join us at the pool, if swimming is your goal.

Do you have a non-swimming goal?  Get started with building your Foundation of Change with Cori as your life coach.  

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Expanding into your goal appeared first on Orca Swim School.

In case you didn’t know already how amazing our office manager is already here she is:

She is in ice-cold water as part of her Wim Hof class.  When we go hiking she is that person who will take a dip in the Alpine Lake if there is snow or sun.  The high pitch yelp followed by the vigor of feeling alive!  

I’ve considered taking the Wim Hof plunge or the New Year’s polar plunge.  It is on my one day list.  You’ve got one of those too, right? 

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post A New Look at the New Year’s Resolution appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Stories are the best.  Join me to hear Jodi’s story of growing up loving the water, but never really learning to swim.  She has spent this year like many people repurposing her time while being on furlough.  It was about this time last year she made some real plans for 2020 that were to include preparing for a swim vacation.  The vacation didn’t happen but the swimming transformation sure did! 

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Student Swim Journey with Jodi appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Now ordinarily I wouldn’t talk about open water swimming in December but even though it is cold outside we still love the water. Every year there is a Saturday afternoon in December when I’m in our pool teaching that suddenly there is very loud amplified singing. After 7 years of this, I finally know what it is and don’t look at my students in bewilderment.

It’s the Christmas boats cruising the lake. They stop at the beach and have an onboard choir amplified for park visitors. Some years there is a beautiful bonfire and the lights are all lit up. Very festive, joyous, and all crowded around the water’s edge.

When my kids were little we would go walk the docks and watch for Santa to come in on a similar boat parade. The dock filled with wiggly excited children with families bumping and jostling along. This is why talking about open water in the winter is important.

Even though now is the time to learn to swim, it’s not the time to learn in the lake! This is the time to know about the cold water.

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Cold Water Shock appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Do you love your hairdresser? It feels so frivolous to me to say it, but I do. She sings a little song between Thanksgiving and New Year about holiday hair and the great joy of giving people a fresh look for parties and special events.

There may be fewer parties and events this year, but that is no reason not to celebrate. What brings you joy? Or perhaps a better way to put it is what do you bring joy to?

For many bringing joy is not easy during our short winter days. Do not forget I am here and can help.

For my swimmers, today’s video is about putting on a swim cap. While you will likely not feel as great as my hairdresser will make you feel it is super useful for your swimming look. Nothing says a swimmer quite like wearing a cap.

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Holiday Hair: Putting on a Swim Cap appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Have you ever wiggled into a pair of nylons or tight jeans?  It is not a feeling of grace and beauty but may be worthwhile for some other purpose.  

I am past the days of uncomfortable clothing.  As I embrace my natural hair color and find sexy from the inside more than in a pair of Jordache Jeans (do you know what that is??), this wiggle in and out of clothing is more of a memory than a daily reality.  

However, there is one article that I will still gratefully wiggle in and out of for it’s a warm tight fit.  A wetsuit.  

I don’t like being cold!!  If you have swum in my toasty pool you will know that.  In today’s video, I give you some tips on how to get in and out of one with relative ease.  There are a few does and don’ts.  Super helpful for winter swimming or outdoor swimming any season.  

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Getting In and Out of a Wetsuit appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Do you have a moment where you can remember exactly where you were and how it felt because of something extraordinary that happened?  Like where were you when you first learned about the 9-11 terror attack?  My mom used to use, “Where were you when Martin Luther King was shot”.  Every generation has its own moment.  We also have our own personnel ones.

Thanksgiving weekend is one of those for me.  I remember the exact place I sat at my dining room table with a swirling mess of kids and kid stuff around me when my husband handed me the phone.  The bright sun was coming in our large windows as the pit of my stomach fell knowing there was something bad on the other end of the phone.  My mom had had a stroke.  Within hours I was on a plane leaving the kayos of my young mom life to go back to my own childhood home unsure of what my role would now be. 

What I cannot remember is if this event happened on Thanksgiving weekend or if I just associate it with Thanksgiving because in my time being with my mom in the hospital we talked about Thanksgiving being her favorite holiday.   This little previously unknown fact is one of many I have acquired while getting to know my mom as an adult and not just an egocentric child.  Mom’s favorite day is the one to stop and be grateful.  To feel grateful for the bounty of gifts that come in many different forms.

This day of gratitude now holds an extra special place in my heart just like each and every one of my students over the last 21 years.  I am forever changed by our time together and forever grateful for the time we got to be in relation to grow and love.  

Today’s video is a repeat, but well worth it.  It is a student story.  His story is a gift, an inspiration and an open heart.  

Enjoy this gift.  May your Thanksgiving be full of warm heart gratitude.  My heart is full just thinking of you now and I so appreciate you and look forward to the next time we meet in person.  

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Grateful for Swimmers appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Now is the best time to learn to swim as an adult ever!  Seriously.  

Have you been a part of a conversation looking at the benefits of 2020…despite all the wild changes?  One of my benefits has been walking through my neighborhood with attention.  There is a small forest trail behind my house.  When I first had to shut down the business I walked.  Walked in the barren twiggy trees.  But we were headed into spring with crocus poking up their purple heads.  I’ve seen the season change with the attention I never really gave before.  Without the bubble covering the pool, it is our beautiful Japanese maple with its brilliant red lacy leaves that I get to enjoy.  Becky’s class got to be visited by our resident owl.

So why is learning to swim as an adult also a benefit and perfect fit for this year?  Look to what your concerns are about being in the pool – embarrassment, being slow, kids everywhere, intimidated to ask questions.  What else?  

In today’s video, I share some answers to these questions and why this is the very best time.

However, the truth is the very best time is when you decide.  If you are still deciding what is getting in your way?  Check out the free mini lookie to see how your story is stopping you from deciding.

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post Now is the Best Time to Learn to Swim as an Adult appeared first on Orca Swim School.

Are you ever at a loss for inspiration?  

Let me tell you a little secret for the best place to get inspired.  Take a dip in a nice warm pool.  Today when I got in I could feel the warmth envelop my skin from dry to wet.  It was like coming home.  This is how I feel every time I slip into the water, well at least my nice extra-warm pool.

Perhaps this is not you…yet.  But you know the coming home feeling.  I have seen the change in our students from day one when the water comes over their skin striking their sense of caution or danger to be transformed into the warm embrace of support.  

When you go to a place that is so familiar and comforting inspiration beckons.  Today’s video came to me when working with a student who is not new to us, but he, like many, needed to come back to basics.  An old belief was interrupting his progress on his back.  

Never fail at swimming again.  Sign up today to create your own transformation.

Watch Below:

Jump-In Membership

If you’re like many adults, you’ve been frustrated or embarrassed that you weren’t free to swim “like everybody else.” Half of adults can’t swim, like you! We meet them all the time. They’ve tried every system, including the traditional programs, with no success.

Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of adults overcome their fear and discomfort in water with our proven system built on the Jump-In Membership. Our Jump-In program uses the nuts and bolts of mindfulness to address the root of the problem and will transform the way you feel and think about water for the rest of your life.

The post How to Back Float Parallel to the Surface of the Water appeared first on Orca Swim School.