Author Bonnie Tsui discusses her book 'Why We Swim' and the transformative power of swimming. They explore the allure and universal attraction of water, the time machine-like freedom swimming provides, and the profound significance of water in her life as a writer.
Swimming serves as a reset from daily stresses, taking us to another world and providing a constant source of joy.
Water has a natural draw for humans, offering calming and transformative effects on our brains and bodies.
Deep dives
The Joy of Swimming in Unexpected Conditions
In the podcast, Bonnie Tui, author of Why We Swim, shares her delight in the unexpected experience of being pelted by hail while swimming. She describes how swimming takes her out of her normal environment and acts as a reset from the daily stresses of life. Bonnie emphasizes that swimming is a constant source of joy and a way to transport oneself to another world.
The Inherent Draw of Water for Humans
In her book, Why We Swim, Bonnie Tui explores the universal draw that water has for humans. She highlights that our bodies are naturally tuned into water, causing us to seek out bodies of water for their calming and transformative effects. Bonnie cites scientific research that shows water's positive impact on our brains and bodies, including increased alpha wave activity associated with relaxation and creativity, and reduced blood pressure. She emphasizes that water not only sustains us, but also nourishes us mentally and emotionally.
The Personal and Collective Benefits of Swimming
Bonnie Tui shares her personal journey with swimming, from her childhood memories of swimming with family to her own adult relationship with the water. Swimming has served as a way for Bonnie to connect with herself, find solace, and maintain a sense of playfulness. She highlights that swimming is not just an individual experience, but also a means to form communities and create connections among people. Bonnie reflects on the positive impact water has had on her life, including inspiring her career as a writer and providing a sense of well-being and joy on a daily basis.
Bonnie Tsui's book, Why We Swim, dropped at a time when we were all looking for guidance on how to move our bodies in ways that took us out of our heads and into our element. But its message is continuous. Why We Swim is a must-read whether you think of yourself as a swimmer or not. It takes you to the source of our innately human relationship with water and weaves together history, science, and her own personal story to propel us on the journey.
We wanted to start this Women and Water series with my conversation with Bonnie because she is truly an expert on why we gravitate to the ocean, lakes, and other waterways that provide us with so much. Bonnie shares more about Why We Swim, her own start to swimming, how swimming helps us feel free, and so much more.
This is the first in a series of interviews with some incredible humans who are featured in Women and Water - a new book from the team behind She Explores. We’re taking the conversation off the page and into their relationship with water today. You’ll hear from swimmers, surfers, paddlers, fishers, and more.