
The Doe boy, John, learned everything he knew about swimming from his parents, Mike and Mary Doe. In truth, they knew very little about swimming; but, nonetheless, they did their best to teach John how to swim. They were of good heart, but unaware of that which they were unaware (as are we, all). John was taught that to swim effectively he must continuously pat the top of his head with one hand, while flailing the water with his other arm. As a result, he swam in circles for years.
Similarly, John was taught what was acceptable and not. Seeking love and approval, he, therefore, denied the deep callings of his heart and allowed his parents, teachers, and other influencers to teach him how to be a good “person.” John, thus, believed that to be worthy he must achieve great marks (in subjects that bored him); hold a respectable career (in a field that didn’t interest him); be a financial success (defined by neighbours); say “yes” to keep the peace (even if that meant denying himself); be married (with children); and never be late. From his limited perspective, he came to believe that “following these rules” must be the fabled way of becoming happy. To settle for anything less would signify that “he”–not the circumstances–was a failure.
Just as John’s swimming style appeared awful; so, too, did the quality of his life. Having sacrificed the Truth of his Being for the loud opinions of the masses and his demanding ego, he found his career, marriage, and finances in ruin. As his suffering increased, the health of his body decreased. In the dark hours of his loneliness, he questioned whether his life held any value.
An unexpected event changed him and his outlook: One summer day, when he found himself wading into a nearby lake, he heard a faint but undeniable voice, as though spoken from within. It whispered: “Just turn on your back and float. Let Me carry you.” At first, John was puzzled; by both the voice and the message. Could it possibly be that by not trying so hard, he could actually remain afloat?
Daringly, John waded into the water…to his knees, waist, and then chest. A quiver ran through his being. Leaning backward, trusting, he eased his head toward the water, while focusing skyward. With a gentle push off, he let his legs and belly rise. There, floating gently, he realized directly that swimming (and life itself) needn’t be such a struggle. With barely any movement at all he floated easily.
In the coming months, John also realized that true Self, the One beyond name and form, had been there all along; seeking to express Itself through him. As he heeded the intuitive nudges of his essential nature, other aspects of his life soon began to improve dramatically.
***
Dear Readers: The account of the Doe Boy is fictional, of course; but what it represents is true. There’s a reservoir of Divine Love that’s flowing to and through you. Via the practice of self inquiry, you may knowingly recognize true Self. You don’t have to try to be That which you are; you are It already. To recognize this deeper dimension, you may find the following question helpful: “Who Am I–really?” You are not a name; not a definition; not your body-mind. You are a spark of the Divine Creator, having an apparently human experience. The Source of peace and joy that you’ve been seeking lies within.
Dare to Dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2026 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡













