Swimming and Presence – Listening to the Body

Swimming and presence are not about speed, performance, or comparing yourself to others.
They are about listening to the body, taking care of yourself, and letting movement become nourishing – for both body and soul.
Today, swimming became exactly that: a quiet space where I could move at my own pace.

Read this post in Swedish ->Simning och närvaro – när hänsyn börjar inifrån

For me, swimming and presence have become a way of taking care of myself, without demands or pressure.


Swimming, Presence and Recovery – Listening to the Body

I went swimming today.
It became 1,200 metres in 40 minutes, followed by a long, warm and comforting shower.

Today I practised taking care of myself.
I swam at my own pace and chose the strokes I wanted – not out of consideration for others, but for myself. That did not mean I ignored others on the same lane, but my focus was somewhere else.

What I noticed in the moment was how much more relaxing it became when I stopped keeping track of everyone else so I wouldn’t bump into someone.
I could keep the pace I wanted the whole time, and the moment became truly nourishing – for the body and, somehow, for the soul.

Swimming and presence are my reminder that the body knows the way.

👉 Related post on the blog:
Swimming and Cold Bathing – When the Body Gets to Be Part of the Decision


When Everyday Life Is Restored – Conflict, Care and New Rugs

Yesterday we had a small conflict at home. It was resolved by restoring what had been done.
That led to a trip to Uddevalla, where we bought cutlery and a few other things for the home. We also found beautiful grey rugs for the living room.

My grandmother’s Chinese rug is now in the basement.
It is large, handmade, well cared for and beautiful – but full of colours. The room feels calmer now with the grey rugs.
I cannot keep all of my grandmother’s things just because they were hers. I hope she understands, wherever she is, and does not see it as a betrayal.


Grief, Memories and Those Who Walk Beside Us

When we were out shopping, we also bought a small plant for our neighbour. They are in a time of grief, and I wanted to give them a little light in the darkness they are living with right now.

When people cross over to the other side, it hurts.
The feelings in the body are many and heavy to carry. But we must carry them. And one day – if we have taken care of our grief – it can feel as if the one who left walks beside us. We remember voices, recognise scents, notice small signs.

I often ask my grandmother for advice, even though she has lived in heaven for many years.
When I am sad, I sometimes feel my aunt’s hand on my shoulder, saying:
“You are sad – cry for a while, and then you will feel better.”

My father, who also lives in heaven now, is often around, making his little sounds when things feel off.
And in the summer, he is the one inspecting how the robotic lawn mower Kenneth is doing his job.
We named him after my father – he would have loved that lawn mower. It was bought with the inheritance after my mother, and at the same time we bought a greenhouse.
So now my mother’s and father’s spirits live in the garden.

Plants placed inside a greenhouse, surrounded by soft light and greenery – a quiet space for presence, memory and everyday care.

Swimming, Recovery and Health – Short Facts

Swimming is a gentle form of exercise that strengthens the heart, muscles and joints, while also helping to calm the nervous system.
👉 Read more about water-based exercise on 1177 (Swedish healthcare):


Questions for You as a Reader

  • When was the last time you truly took care of yourself?
  • Is there a place where you can let go of the world and move at your own pace?
  • Who walks beside you, even if they are no longer here?

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Closing Reflection

Carina Ikonen Nilsson

I remind myself of this again and again:
Yesterday rests in history. Tomorrow waits further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens.


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