Finding my new religion in the blue water of Bondi

I have finally found a way to practice regular prayer and gratitude. I have also found a community of like-minded people to share this experience with. In these challenging times I have managed to appreciate and enjoy these moments of joy.

No, I am not talking about a new shul service, or a cult - but ocean swimming. I feel blessed to live near Bondi Beach in Sydney and I try to swim there several times a week, conditions permitting.

I am told I could swim before I could walk, which probably had something to do with my mother being a swimming teacher and having a pool in the backyard. I was on the swim team growing up and spent many hours following the black lines in various pools. I started swimming longer distances on my own at a variety of local beaches a few years ago, and enjoyed it. However, about two years ago I was lucky enough to find my community of fellow ocean swimmers.