Band of Strangers

Last month on vacation I was part of a “band of strangers” with a common goal. There were roughly 17 of us participating in a water aerobics class offered by the condo where we were staying.

The class took place in what is called “The Lazy River” pool. As you can see from the above picture, it’s an oval-ish*  shaped, pool built around a relaxingly beautiful island.

It was an hour of  sweating, walking, running, and dancing with the current, and occasionally against the current, as the directed.  The entire hour we also carried Styrofoam weights that we used for arm exercises.

While a few of the women were traveling together, most of us didn’t know each other. Several of the women realized I was having trouble hearing the instructor because my hearing aids are not water resistant, so I had removed them. Even though these women didn’t know me, several of them took turns making sure I’d heard our instructions.

Not only did several help me out, but collectively we helped each other as we made our way around the island time after time.

It was a refreshing workout that helped my sciatica and my knees tremendously. It brought people from all walks of life together for a fun event. I’m sure different political parties, different religions, and different views of life were all present in that class. And yet, we all got along. We all had fun!

When we stop seeing the differences in each other, and begin noticing the things we share and the ways we are alike, perhaps we’ll find the middle road that leads us to where we all need to be as a society.

Laughing is universal. Having fun is universal. Being human is universal. I make a motion we start looking for the ways we are all alike, and begin enjoying our journeys together on this planet. Can I get a second?

See you next time…

*If that’s not a word, it should be.