I must admit that I am not a fan of wild swimming and this was far too much introspection about the topic. I really wanted to be inspired to start but it was just too much text for me and not enough succinct pep talk. I think it might be perfect for reading when cooped up in spring when you can’t get into nature and you have lots of extra time (does anyone have extra time anymore?). It’s a well written book, just not the best fit for me.

As the title suggests, this is a book about combining mindfulness and swimming in natural bodies of water. It's part of a large series of "Mindfulness and ..." books, and this particular volume is a re-release of a title that came out a couple years back.

While the book does provide an overview the basic methods and considerations for both mindfulness meditation and wild swimming, it's largely a peptalk or enticement to take up wild swimming as a means to improve awareness (as well as to bolster physical health and mental well-being.) That said, some of this peptalk is artfully, almost poetically, written, and the book is a pleasure to read.

The book discusses solo swims versus those in a group, and it even explores using onshore experiences to bolster mindfulness -- e.g. using the sensory experience of the water as a focal point for practicing awareness. The around- (v. in-) water discussions are probably in part because the book uses seasons as a secondary mode of organization, and long and leisurely winter swims in lakes and rivers aren't an option for people in many parts of the world.

I picked up some interesting food-for-thought in the book, and -- as I say -- it made for enjoyable reading.

This series common theme is that mindfulness can be a part of many every day activities. In this title, swimming is the subject while others have been about gardening, baking and knitting. I like the concept that mindfulness can be present in obvious places that are not always considered access points.

I was especially attracted to this title because I am intrigued by everything that I have read about wild swimming. Topics in this book include Taking the Plunge, The Solo Swim, Reflections from the Riverbank and more. There are also further reading suggestions and a number of websites included at the end of the book.

This title is a favorite of mine in this series. I valued the author’s personal reflections and the inspiration that was provided. So, get out your suit, start breathing and enjoy mindfulness in the water…or at least reading about it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book should be recommended for anyone thinking about wild swimming. It is a thought provoking and nurturing read. I want to buy a hard copy of it so I can savour the author‘s advice.

A great meditative book to read during the spring months. I enjoyed Wardley's reflections throughout, and I expect to return to it many times.

As much as I don't like swimming in open water and love the smell of chlorine to death, it has to be said that, reading this book, I almost felt like trying to swim in the sea (neither rivers nor lakes for goodness sake) and even do it at night and in the rain. Not that I don't appreciate the idea of swimming while there aren't psychopaths around me swimming like they were Olympic Champions while there are more than two of us in the lane, nor do I like hearing the horrible music of the ladies of the acquagym, but the idea of sharing my aquatic space with fish, seaweed or slime, disgusts me even more, but I guess everyone knows what is best for himself.

Per quanto io non ami nuotare in acque libere e ami alla follia l'odore del cloro, c'é da dire che, leggendo questo libro, mi é quasi venuta voglia di provare a nuotare nel mare (né fiumi né laghi per caritá) e di farlo anche la notte e nelle pioggia. Non che io non apprezzi l'idea di nuotare mentre attorno a me non ci sono degli psicopatici che fanno il delfino e la virata mentre in corsia siamo piú di due, né tantomeno evitare di sentire la musichetta orribile delle signore dell'acquagym, ma l'idea di condividere il mio spazio acquatico con dei pesci, delle alghe o della melma, mi schifa ancora di piú, ma immagino che ognuno sappia cosa é meglio per sé.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I was excited to read Mindfulness in Wild Swimming as I already have a meditation practice and am keen to try open water and wild swimming. I've not taken the plunge (pun intended) as I've read warnings around how and where to swim, what to wear, and other probably well intended but scary advice.

After reading Tessa Wardley's book, I can't wait to get going! She manages to convey her love of swimming in a really accessible and inspiring way but, most importantly for me, unlocked much of the fear I have around being in open water. She provides thorough advice on the differences between different bodies of water, lets you know what to expect as you enter the water, swim and exit the water. As well as practical advice, she left me with much more confidence in myself and ability to go for it.

Interspersed through the book are guides on how to swim mindfully, many of which I recognise from my own practice but which are always good to re-read. I would think that someone new to mindfulness would find real insight from her teachings.

The latter chapter of the book delves deeper in the human connection with water and how it has featured for centuries in our art, literature and music with interesting examples I'm looking forward to reading and hearing more of.