Dear
Thanks to the kindness of one of our members, Angus, and the creativity
of Tracey at Oxford Brookes, I am holding a silent swim on Saturday 17th
July near Abingdon. The idea, as ever, is to introduce more people into the
joys of swimming… and with a meditation first, and in a very special
place, should be lovely occasion. We’re holding it as part of the Oxford
Symposium on the Culture of Rowing & Swimming – there may be a few of
you who are interested in their Friday talks. http://rowingandswimming.eventbrite.com/
I am looking for a few volunteers to help make it special for
newcomers. Can you? Can you bring a non swimmer with you to help?
Event details:
http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=events&s=&id=63
If you’re used to swimming free on your own/with a friend, that
is what we hope to achieve for a bigger group, some of whom will be first
timers. The idea is to power down on the social chat, and by suggesting people
not speak, allow them to enjoy all the sights, sounds and sensations of the
riverbank. (I know I sound like a tree hugger… hang on, perhaps I am).
Can you? A few non-swimming roles too if you have someone who might
sacrifice their swim for
Roles include:
Let me know if you can help, and in what capacity.
Many thanks
Kate
Timetable (approx)
7am: volunteers arrive, set up
Details swimmers will receive (event location is kept secret so we have
some way of controlling and knowing numbers)
8am – swimmers arrive, get ready to swim, put bags in bag
shelter, sit on blankets, settle
8.15am - meditation on the banks, led by a local teacher. After this
QUIET TIME!
8.25am - walk up or down the banks, led by an
8.35ish - get in and swim! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the
riverbank. Recently we saw an oyster catcher in the
9ish - emerge back at the start point! Time to reflect and share
experiences. Probably keep volume down for a while, so people still swimming
hear only whispers. Enjoy & share whatever food you have brought with you -
thermos, croissants, camping stoves and sausages, it's up to you
9.55ish - when everyone is back and dry and has shared and eaten, we'll
have a little visualisation and meditation to finish. Some things we may not
have noticed in the water often come back to you at these times.
10.30am/11am; volunteers leave
Kate Rew
07931 546241
Author, journalist and director of Outdoor Swimming Society
June OSS news: the OSS Midsummer
Party, Big Jump, swimming Everest, social swims a-go-go,
member discounts and the PM is one of us. For swimming related news,
art and inspiration, sign up for the free