the recreation center

hon, do you want to swim some laps? asked g.

yeah, sure, but where?

and so begins my story of the recreation center.

just when i want to throw the towel in and curse this city (drama queen, yes), i am pleasantly surprised with little gems. like the chocolate chip cookie at the larder. or our secluded beach spot in malibu. and now, the westwood recreation center.

within walking distance of our studio is a place where people of all ages congregate. where kids play basketball, new mommies attend support groups, racquetball people play racquetball, and where the rest of us swim laps. open from the wee hours of the morning until after dark, the center hosts a commuity of people wanting to belong, to be engaged in activity and fellowship.

it's only been one week of early morning swims, but i have a feeling this place is going to become part of my routine. i love watching the older women practice their water aerobics on one side of the pool, taking their conversation to the locker room showers. i love the morning sun beaming through the window, dancing on the water, as that one man glides through his lane with such graceful fluidity. and the feeling i get from working my entire body - my heart beating, my arms pumping, my legs strengthening - it's enlivening.

although g and i are swimming in our own lanes, at our own pace, i feel like we are connecting - with our spirits, bodies, and community. i still find solace when i run, but during the days between - with g, with those old folks at the center - i am part of something shared. and it feels nice.