Let's race!

But why?

In my swimming class today, we tried something new. Instead of focussing on the technique, posture, etc., we did a lap with a timer on. Three people go to the other end and come back and someone is measuring the time.

Immediately, everything changed for me. The joy of swimming went away, replaced by the scarcity based desire of coming first.

Technique went out with it. There was no longer elegance in the perfectly crafted pull. It was all about beating the others.

The one who was ahead was worried others would take over if he slows down. The one who was behind wanted to prove that he's worth it by speeding up.

The only way out of all this for me was out. To stop racing. To start feeling the water again. To glide, move, swim. To be joyous. Again.

Racing is a cultural concept based on scarcity.

Swimming fast is joy. Trying to win a race isn't.