A shameful secret
I can't swim.
I started a beginners' class at the YMCA yesterday afternoon. But I just couldn't propel myself in the pool, face down in the water, arms stretched in front of me as requested by the tutor (I can do it on my back). I was petrified. And I'm still feeling tense and slightly panicky just reminiscing it.
Still, the tutor seems to be quite patient, and I should probably be patient with myself too.
I know that the water should support me but I don't trust it. I want to be in control. (I wonder if this is not a metaphor for other aspects in my life!)
What made things a bit worse was other people (swimmers in the fast lane and guys waiting for the advanced swimming class that followed ours) standing by the pool watching. Staring. Some of them had amused smiles.
After the class one of the other pupils (we are 8 in total) commented on the fact that I could float quite easily on my back.
I explained that it was because I could see the ceiling. His problem was the opposite: quite good with the face in the water but afraid of floating on his back.
He said that swimming on his stomach was much easier because he could see the bottom of the pool while looking up at the ceiling everything was too far away.
Now I just have to make sure that I don't pick up his phobia too!