On the Occasion of Swimming
my 50th Mile in 2007
By BARRY EFRYIM SHORE

Last week I swam my 50th mile in 2007. How memorable a milestone is that? Well, this time last year I couldn’t swim at all. In fact, simply to be in the water and not drown helplessly, I needed floatation aids around my torso and legs and a mask and snorkel. Today, I still use mask and snorkel but I now swim a full mile without stopping, three times per week. Yes, it takes 90 minutes but every minute is recuperative and meditative.

Thanks goes to TI, without which I wouldn’t be swimming – and enjoying every stroke. In September 2004, following an overseas trip with my son, I contracted Guillaine Barre Syndrome leaving me 97% paralyzed. Thirty three months later, I still can’t walk without braces on both legs and a walker and need an attendant for 12 hours per day. But swimming has been an essential aid to my healing process, one I’ve been able to take advantage of only because of TI.

How did I learn the TI system? Through a book. My attendant read me the TI drills from poolside and I did them as best I could, with the aid of my floaties. And wonder of wonders, they worked. If you ask me if I look as if I’d had TI instruction, I’d say no. But I swim smoothly with long strokes, rotating my trunk, and feeling fishlike, thanks to TI – the yoga of swimming. Though I swim slowly, my 90-minutes of TI practice is rebuilding precious strength and endurance.

I also want to thank Terry for recommending other valuable books, especially “Mastery” by George Leonard, which I read frequently. George taught me that to be a learner, you’ve got to be willing to be a fool. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, said you have to be happy to wear your white belt. My “white belt” is a floatation belt!

I also wish to thank the caring and professional people at the Santa Monica Aquatic Center in California, which has wonderful handicap access and impeccably clean facilities. I have swum there for two years because the staff are upbeat, concerned, encouraging people who have sparked my plodding with their praises, thumbs up, and big smiles! What a JOY and delight to be a part of such an environment.

While swimming is often considered a ‘’loner’’ activity, many wonderful people have given support, shared stories, and offered encouragement. Without Elaine, Leah, Terry, and many others there is no way that I would be swimming as well and enjoying it.

What an amazing gift, that God made water for us to use in so many ways. To be buoyed by His creation and be energized by exerting myself is a BLESSING without compare.

By the way, my goal is to swim 100 miles this calendar year, then to do this annually so I complete 1000 miles by age 68.

Your love, prayers, and good thoughts energize me. Thank You. Please keep them flowing.

Barry Efryim Shore was born in 1948 and grew up in Brookline, Mass, birthplace of JFK, and a town known for high achievers. He learned to swim in the usual way, but never enjoyed it. He attended UMass-Amherst and Frei University in Amsterdam, Holland, then remained in Europe for the next three years. Moving back to Boston, he opened a clothing boutique. He moved to LA in 1975 to attend the Gemological Institute of America, then taught at GIA for three years and opened a wholesale diamond business in LA. He later founded and sold an internet company. Barry has been married for 30 years to Naomi, who was born in Bangkok and became a US citizen in April. He is devoting all his energy now to returning to vibrant health.