rowing

so i actually rowed this evening! and it was a lot of fun. while i was trying to maneuver the oar and keep in time with the rowers in front of me, i was lamenting the fact that southern AZ is pretty bare on the bays and lakes. stair climbing in bisbee is fulfilling and quaint--it definitely has it's magic--but i don't know if it's nearly as challenging as learning to maneuver a heavy wooden oar for the first time. i mean, i've been climbing stairs for almost 29 years now, right? yeah, so that doesn't seem like such a big deal.

my mom's friend and coteacher penny joined me for the rowing meet-up this evening, patiently teaching me the basics. she's been rowing with the group for about a year now. my mom had mentioned to her that i was intimated to try it after reading over their web site (the FAQ page, specifically). and i don't think i could have taken that step if she hadn't been there to encourage me.

and i LOVED it! rowing for the first time for an hour with minimal breaks was a lot of work. but i felt powerful trying it, just like when snark introduced me to rock climbing. and also kind of the way i feel when hiking or biking or doing yoga. even more with rowing, though, (and climbing was that way too) i felt an appreciation for my body and its capacities and possibilities for strength. it's not often that my mind turns off it's criticizing switch, the switch that is usually on, reminding me of all the standards and ideals that my body does not meet. rarely is it wise enough to shut off completely and be utterly grateful for what my body is, what it can do, and also what it can learn to do. for that hour of peace in my body--and for that insight--i am grateful tonight.