January 6, 2021 -Considering the events in the U.S. today I feel it is apropos to post this blog.
The pool where I swim (Acurela) in Oaxaca reopened after being closed for two weeks during the holidays. This small oasis of water has been a sanctity of sanity for me during Covid-19. It is actually a swim school and has two small pools – one for beginning lessons for children and adults and the other for open swim, aqua aerobics classes and adult lessons. The staff is friendly, efficient and dedicated to teaching aquatics and aquatic safety. The facility is taking multiple safety and sanitization measures during Covid-19 including masks, a temperature check, shoe bath, hand sanitizing and a spray sanitizing of any equipment, purses or backpacks before entering the facility. The facility and locker rooms are impeccably clean and constantly spray sanitized throughout the day.
Today I noticed a new sign on the wall titled Nuestro Mayor Orgullo (Our Greatest Pride) when I was leaving the pool area. I have copied it in Spanish below followed by the English translation. It represents what it is like living in Oaxaca, Mexico v.s. in the U.S. at this time. The message reflects the true culture, sincerity and nature of the Mexican people. U.S. take note.
Nuestro mayor orgullo
La Certeza de encontrar
En nuestra labor,
La possibilidad de ser
mejores personas
en nuestras ditintas
areas de crecimineto.
Ensenamos
no solo a nadar bien,
sino Tambien a vivir bien
y a mejorar nuestras
posturas ante la vida.
Ofecer el espacio acuatico
como fuente de estimulacion
de las posibilidades humanas,
es nuesrtra vocacion;
la razon mas profunda
de nuestra existencia.
En Acuarela
nuestra ensenanza
es para la vida
todos apendemos
todos nos cuidamos y
nos enriquecemos.
Our Greatest Pride
The certainty of finding
in our work
the possibilities to be
better people
in our different
areas of growth
we teach
not just to swim well
and to improve our
attitudes in the face of life
we offer the water space
as a stimulus
of human possibilities
in our vocation
the deepest reason
of our existence
In Acurela
our teaching
is for life
we all learn
we all care
and we all are enriched.
Wow Gwen, this is powerful and encouraging. Water and the people who dedicate their lives to immersion and dive in education, heal the body and soul. I wish I was there with you, but will carry your message in my heart and share it with other mermaids and merdudes.
Warm Splashes for a graceful, and fluid year, Mary
WOW Gwen,
You and I were with the group from USA that were part of thee First Delegation of Fitness Professional to the Republic of China back in 1986…I am thrilled to know you still profess wellness as well as I do in Syracuse NY owning my our company, Body Management, and credentialed as a Group EX Instructor Specialist in land/aqua with now 44 yrs in the industry having worked world-wide on a cruise ship and Caribbean Resorts, etc etc…and now in a medical ctr in a studio owned by H&O,,Hematology and Oncology teaching to those with cancer and those never having had it…class is Active Aging STRONG,,,I, too, am a member of the Int lCouncil of Active Agers in Canada…I saw your article in the 9/19 issue….glad I finally connected…May the life in you always be strong….because ‘It’s Great to Have a Pulse”…a dianaism
Hello Diana,
Great to hear from you and all the good work you are still doing. Keep it moving forward.
Gwen