Thursday 30 March: Mindfully on our way

It was a dark and stormy morning, even the clock was still out of sync. The sort of morning to be mindful. Some went in at Manly; the rest of us went halfway. But the mindful mood was all over us like the wash.

I wonder do you get more from your swim when you use your mind? According to the latest research, yes you do. When you practice mindfulness in any exercise, like swimming, you get an instant relaxation response and a long lasting change to how you brain is wired. We know mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. That’s why the present is called the present – it’s the greatest gift we have. It’s when you practice mindfulness when you are moving that you get the amplified benefits. Benefits like what? Reduced anxiety and depression, improved body satisfaction and (what was the last one…) that’s right better memory.

Sue shows us the mindful technique that had her clock up 1000ks in a year… a record according to our statistician Lainey.

The rest of the crew were meditating on her success…

Of course we celebrated with her in our customary style..

Some researchers are finding moving mindfulness gives you a ‘super brain’ but our group might challenge that finding, especially the A team contemplating the race…

How do you get mindful when you swim? Feel the water, notice where your hands are, or use a simple mantra… simple really.

A lot easier than being a champion cricketer like Alex Blackwell star of the Australian women’s national cricket team the Southern Stars here with her physio Kate…

Thanks for being a terrific group of people to enjoy the morning with.

Your mindful blogger…

Pete Anthony

Stats

172 swimmers today

One newbie (Alex)

Temp was 22.8.

For the diary

Pauline’s rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW.