web analytics

Swimming Upstream

Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M

July 12th, 2020  |  17 Comments

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

 

Joette Calabrese

 

Yep! That’s me in that picture — that little head bobbing in the water. You could say it’s my idea of social distancing!

Months ago, I would wake up, make coffee and get to work on my computer. After a while, I’d shower, sit down and get back to my desktop.

My husband and I would have a late breakfast, and then — you guessed it — back to my computer for meetings, appointments, writing, and drafting the rest of the day until dinner. And after dinner? Yep. I was back to work with clients from the other side of the earth, teaching Gateway to Homeopathy Study groups and more writing.

I was (as my father used to say) on my keister all day long.

But just about three months ago, I started doing something every day just for me — swimming.

They say (whoever the “they” are who seem to know all these things) that if you find a form of exercise that turns you on, then the rest is easy.

Well, at first, I thought about dancing. I love dancing! Love it! But my preferred kind of dancing requires another person. I needed something I could have complete control over. Something that was my own. Something just for me.

Swimming is all mine.

I sleep better, yet it’s given me more energy! I swim in the morning, and after dinner, I feel as though I could do it again — I have that much energy remaining.

Keep in mind, I’m not an athlete. But I’m amazed at what I’ve been able to accomplish in such a short period (12 weeks or so). I’m now swimming a minimum of an hour a day — in open water!

I started by swimming in a pool. But sometimes the pool smelled of chlorine — and the residual chemical odor was hard to get off even with vigorous washing. (I’d take a shower, and an hour later, my skin would still smell of chlorine.)

So, although this is not a homeopathic remedy, I will share my solution with you!

Before swimming in the pool, I smeared my entire body and hair with lard — from head to toe. With apologies to Eleanor, I was as slick as a little fat piglet squealing out of a mud pit.

That did the trick! Of course, it took hot water and a washcloth to get it off. But the chlorine didn’t penetrate my skin!

And even though I looked diligently for it, there was never a layer of oil around me in the pool — not like there can be with most suntan lotions. (Even the pool man didn’t notice a problem!)

But I don’t use lard when I swim in open water. No need. I want the salty water, loaded with minerals, to absorb through my pores. I even wash my mouth out with it! Ocean water is one of nature’s many cure-alls.

Swimming in the ocean provides everything a person needs for a healthy pastime: action, movement, sun, minerals and peaceful, solitary time for focused thought; I actually do my prayer work while I’m stroking along. Yet I run into others who swim at about the same time and we've become a wave and smile acquaintances. 

I’ve only missed a few days because of the weather. Now, you know me; I’m no milksop. I’ll happily swim in a bit of rain. But during a torrential Florida rainstorm when the lightning begins, I have enough sense to stay indoors!

But otherwise, yes, I am swimming in the Atlantic Ocean — currents, tides, seaweed and all. Just this morning 3 small nurse sharks greeted me for a brief moment. 

You might say I’m swimming upstream!

We can use this for a metaphor in life. Swimming upstream is harder work, but the benefits are greater.

Sure, you can take it easy. But treading water yields much less reward.

I prefer to get the most out of whatever I do.

Whether swimming or educating myself or fighting for things I believe in, I don’t take the easy path. I prefer to push myself and propel myself further than I’d ever imagined.

Anything worth its salt is worth your increased effort.

Learning homeopathy can feel like swimming upstream at times.

There is much to learn and currents that sometimes push against you. But with each stroke — each blog post, podcast, Facebook Live, Gateway to Homeopathy group meeting or course of study — you push yourself harder and further until you can do more than you ever dreamed possible to safeguard your family’s health.

Pass on the good news of homeopathy!

Warmly,

Joette Calabrese

 

 

P.S. Ladies, I wish I could find a perfect bathing cap to keep my hair dry. I’ve tried so many, but they don’t work every time. If you have a suggestion for me, I would love to hear it!

P.P.S. I encourage you to consider joining my new exclusive group, Joette’s Mighty Members. We’re like a little club! I share a quote with my members every day, as well as weekly Memos (just like my At Home with Homeopathy tips), and occasional informal videos I call my “musings.” I feel I can be more candid in our own private playground.  

Plus, if Facebook is not your cup of tea, I’ve provided a private forum for you to discuss thoughts with your fellow like-minded friends, old and new. And, you can also watch my Facebook Live events from within the membership site — without having to register for Facebook.

There are so many reasons to join us. Learn more details by clicking here, and then come join in the fun with my Mighty Members! We may be small, but we are mighty!

 

 

 

I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.

Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.


Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.


We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.


The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.



 

17 thoughts on “Swimming Upstream”

  1. Linda says:

    Thanks for this! There is no substitute for body movement. Just 10 days ago I started walking in the early morning (and I am not a morning person). I feel so much better!

  2. Susan says:

    Hi. Although not a homeopathic remedy, I’m told by veteran swimmers and exercisers that a simple after swim vitamin C spray will internalize pool chemical residue. https://www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/how-can-i-get-chlorine-out-of-my-suit-and-off-my-body

    PS. Slightly jealous – swimming is my ‘spirit’ exercise – where else can you get an hour’s full body workout AND massage all at the same time all while floating on a cloud?!. With recent events, all the public pools and even the ocean are either closed or available on a limited basis. Got to look around for someone who needs their pool exercised a couple of times a week!

    Warmest regards from Sunny California

    1. Susan says:

      Hi again. With my previous comment about vitamin ‘c’ . . . The vitamin C neutralizes not ‘internalizes‘ the chlorine and other chemicals. Apologies! There is a lot to be said for proof-reading – multiple times – before tapping that ‘send’ button!

      1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

        Your response is much appreciated. I’m going to try it the next time I enter the pool.

  3. Julia says:

    I’m with you Joette. I’m 62 and swimming is my bliss. I look forward to swimming at our cabin on lake vermilion each summer. I feel free in the water. This winter it will be in the ocean in Florida somewhere. I know in some cultures they sit in the sea to get well. Happy swimming.

  4. Lydia says:

    This is just what I needed to read. I will continue to be a voice concerning all of our governors tyrannical orders!
    Also, I have a pool and have been wondering how I can keep the chlorine off my skin.
    Thank you!

    1. Antonia says:

      that is easy. do NOT put chlorine in your pool. i use hydrogen peroxide and strict bathe before swimming rules and it has worked beautifully and it is HEALTHY!

      1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

        Nice idea.

  5. Rhianna Gray says:

    Ah, yes! Open water ocean swimming! My favorite too, when I can get to the ocean; I live in Colorado…and during the summer, it’s the lakes and creeks. Pools and lane space are hard to reserve now 🙁

    I found that a snug fitting silicone and/or latex Cap will keep most of my hair dry, except around the edges of the cap, around my nape and hairline. Perhaps a youth-sized cap may be snug? I find that ocean water dries out my hair and leaves a buildup of minerals.

    Also, inexpensive ascorbic acid crystals dissolved in water, 2 tps in 2 cups of water, and sprayed on the skin and hair will remove chlorine/pool chemicals and sea water mineral buildup. The C solution needs to be made each time before use because it degrades in a few hours.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Great info! Thanks!

  6. Gwen says:

    Lovely blogpost! So jealsous, or envious, whichever gets me in less trouble;) How about taking a “mermaid hair, don’t care” approach?

  7. Vickie Halteman says:

    Both of our neighbors and my daughter’s mother-in-law have salt water pools.

  8. Yvonne M. Copping says:

    This is a response about the hydrogen peroxide for who ever would like to know. I have a resource for 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. I do not have a pool but I do use their product in my bath. They advertise using their product in hot tubs and pools in place of chlorine. They are called Pure Health Discounts

  9. Debra Hartmann says:

    These swim caps don’t squeeze your head, but keep your hair dry (or mine, anyway).

    https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-bubble-swim-cap-with-chin-strap-20738/?color=9325

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Thanks!
      I’ll order one and give it a try.

  10. Raven says:

    That is just what I am going to do but I have to go to the ymca. I can’t walk much but the exercise is very important. Thank you for the encouragement.

  11. Jennifer says:

    I learn so much from you Joette. Many thanks! Is there homeopathic chlorine to detox from swimming in a chlorinated pool? That’s my only option for swimming is a chlorinated pool. I love swimming and so relaxing

Leave a Reply to Lydia Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Joette


Categories

Books & CDs

Joette’s Materia Medica

I designed it especially to provide a framework to guide you through your remedy choices. It is perfect for busy mothers and others who love curing their families themselves.

Protect Yourself from the Flu

Deal with the flu without drugs and expensive commercial products.

Combo Pack: Top 7 Products

Go from clueless to clued-in…in the fastest way possible.

Cell Salts: Learn Homeopathy at Home

The easiest, safest and most inexpensive way to treat your whole family.

Homeopathy in First Aid

Learn to choose the correct homeopathic remedy to give on the way to the emergency room or better yet,
avoid the trip altogether.

Cure Yourself and Your Family with Homeopathy

Homeopathy is inexpensive, non-invasive and profoundly curative.

Secret Spoonfuls: Confessions of a Sneaky Mom with Kid Pleasing Recipes – CD & Booklet

Boost and maintain optimum health with simple foods, instead of vitamin pills.

See More Products