Rhythm

Last year, our family went to see the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers in concert. Watching these artists perform their astonishing Japanese drumming style is a breath-taking experience: The Glasgow Herald described it thus: ‘Drumming as an almost religious experience… exhilarating to behold.’ At the end of the concert, I spoke to one of the drummers and asked about the strength and energy levels needed to maintain such a frenzy of drumming - which they made look effortless. She replied that it wasn't strength or energy but focus, technique - and rhythm. By establishing a rhythm, they were able to maintain the levels of concentration required to carry a piece through to its conclusion. Clearly, this takes a good deal of practice but it is very effective.


My son and I are learning to play drums ourselves - the modern drum kit, not Taiko, in our case. My playing is extremely basic and I expend a lot of energy playing, so I clearly haven't developed the technique and stamina required to play a two-and-half-hour concert. But what has all this got to do with swimming - or life?


One thing I have observed whilst spending time in the pool is that what seems to make swimming appear effortless is rhythm - not strength. As with the Taiko drummers, get a rhythm going and you can keep going ad infinitum. I'm pretty sure this is true of life: those who seem to sail through life apparently effortlessly have established a rhythm, or routine, which keeps them going. Life is not chaotic, they do not stumble or muddle or juggle their way through the day; they maintain poise, control and stamina - like the Taiko drummers and the long-distance swimmer. Rhythm does not require energy or strength - it is practised and internalised to such an extent that the rhythm becomes part of who you are; hence, I guess, the Glasgow Herald's reference to a 'religious experience'.


Being a school teacher, I have to maintain a sense of rhythm and routine just to get through a lesson-packed day - otherwise I would fizzle out very quickly given the pace and intensity that characterizes every school day. Establishing organised routines develops a rhythm which sustains itself and therefore requires less energy to maintain. This reduces the intensity of the job and helps to create balance and perspective.


Swimming helps to maintain this balance: it gives me time out to relax, be physically active - and think. That, I believe, is an essential part of the rhythm of life but how many of us make time for this?


How do you maintain rhythm in your life?


What helps to sustain you?


What organisational tips could you share that help you to create balance and perspective?


Thanks for reading - if you are able to contribute to this discussion, please leave a comment.


Phil