One of the training tools our genius, swim coach, Paul, used was the swim beeper. Like a metronome, the constant, consistent beep of the swim beeper held us to a more rigorous pace per stroke than our normal, more relaxed pace. Coach Paul would place the beeper underneath our swim caps, just above one ear.
One day Coach Paul set everyone’s beepers to the same pace per stroke as the Italian World Champion and Olympian, Gregorio. Coach Paul said, “Gregorio holds this world -class pace for 10,000 meters. I want you to hold his pace for 100 meters.” We all did it. Holding Gregorio’s pace for even 100 meters helped us imagine the “not yet.” It helped us believe that somewhere deep within us there was a champion swimmer.
Jesus responds to the Pharisee seeking to trick him saying, “Love God with all your heart, soul and mind,” and then adds the commandment “that is like it,” love others as yourself.” Some of us are more practiced at loving others than at loving ourselves. This commandment reverberates, not in our ears, like the swim beeper, but in our hearts and minds, helping us maintain a life-giving pace. How do we consistently see and celebrate the light of Divine Love in others– and in ourselves? I’d like to offer these tips from past coaches:
Second) Allow ourselves to be deeply known and loved, just as we are, with all our complexities and contradictions, and intentionally seek to know and love others in that same way.
