For the purpose of exercising the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your body, swimming is one of the most holistic ways to enhance well-being. Swimming will build muscles as well as flexibility and endurance. Some swimmers claim it is the best way to stay fit. Paul Bragg, a 98 year old swimmer, says, "Rest is rust."

On the other hand, when swimming in open water (a lake, river, or ocean) there are more elements to consider. "Mother Nature is in charge of the element," writes Penny Lee Dean, an open water swimmer who wrote the book Open Water Swimming (1998).But in another sense, these elements will allow your mind to stay alert, your energy flowing, and your soul in contact with the elemental spirits of the natural bodies of water. Dean continues to write, "Open water swimming, whether in a race or part of a triathlon, challenged each swimmer to deal with numerous elements both mentally and physically."

When swimming, you use your lungs and almost every muscle along the skeletal system. Also, there are many mental exercises and relaxation skills that can be developed in the water because when you go underwater there is always a peaceful silence that surrounds you. Holding your breath underwater and breathing deeply afterwards expands the lung's capacity as well as delivering large amounts of much needed oxygen to the brain. Meditating under water can be a brief but interestingly powerful experience. Dancing and doing yoga in the water may also bring new realizations to the art.

Some people will find short quick swimming to be more to their taste, while others will enjoy long distance swimming. Short distance swimming is usually about 1.5 k (about 1 mile). Longer distance swimming and marathon swimming is usually done in large open bodies of water. A long distance swim is between 1.5 k (about 1 mile) up to 25 k (16 miles). Marathon swimming is at least 25k (16 miles) and can last up to 5 hours. These estimated distances were found in Dean's book Open Water Swimming (1998).

If you are beginning to swim regularly (or learning to swim for the first time) you might want to start in a pool where the elements of Mother Nature do not come into play. Professional racing swimmers do not want a lot of excess muscles so that they can be more aerodynamic.

Each body of water has a different energy and will lend itself to a different exercise. For instance, in a pool you might find yourself swimming laps or diving for rings. While in a river you might explore the crevices of nature or dance in the current. Every body of water has a different spirit present in it and these spirits can be best contacted by being in the water.

Despite the gentleness of water, there are many dangers, especially in natural bodies. In rivers or lakes where the weather is warm and the current is calm, you should be aware if there are poisonous water snakes in the area. If so, remember that snakes lurk in shallow, calm water, often where there are weeds or water plants to hide among. In the ocean, be aware of rip currents, which can pull you out to sea. Rip currents can be seen from the shore as a trail of foam that extends out into the water behind breaking waves. Large or powerful rip currents may even prevent waves from breaking. If you get caught in a rip current, instead of fighting it straight on, swim parallel to the shore. You will be able to gain the beach again when you have swum beyond the range of the current.

Underwater there is another world. Water is the symbol of the subconscious mind in mythology. Water is a mystical element that relates to the astral plane, the emotions, and physic powers such as visions and reflections. The moon corresponds to water because the tides follow the motion of the moon. All great bodies of water move and follow the moon. Therefore, the moon as a planet and as a Goddess is the greater power over the individual elemental spirits in bodies of water. The moon also symbolizes supreme purity. It is said to be the link between man and God.

In Greek Mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea. He also is the god of earthquakes and horses. His planet is Neptune. In Norse mythology there are two gods of the ocean: Nijord and Ran. Nijord is the favorable god of the sea which brings bounty, rapid winds, and prosperity. On the other hand, Ran is the god of sea storms and he has a kingdom beneath the sea where those who were lost at sea are said to live. These two gods show the dualistic aspects of the sea and of all bodies of water. Water can give life or take it away.

Swimming can bring you closer to these great elemental deities. It also can be a place to explore your mind and emotions. Your entire being can exercise in water, and it can also experience new sensations and affirmations.