Lie Back

I recently was on a group Masterclass session with Dr. Dicken Bettinger, clinical psychologist and founder of 3 principles mentoring.

He read the most beautiful poem to us in his most relaxing beautiful voice. The poem is First Lesson by Philip Booth.

The author is teaching his little daughter to swim in the ocean and it’s a beautiful metaphor for learning to swim in the flow of life.

Here is the poem for your inspiration:

First Lesson

Lie back daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you. Spread
your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls. A dead-
man's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea. Daughter, believe
me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

~Philip Booth