swimming toward the shark
by Katherine Frazier-Jones
As I was preparing to get my SCUBA certification, I asked my instructor what I should do if I saw a shark while diving. He told me that the best thing to do is to remain calm because sharks sense fear. Then he said IF a shark should become too curious and verge on aggression, the best thing to do as a diver is to – are you ready for this? – Swim. Toward. The Shark. That blew me away. What a powerful analogy for facing our fears. When fear gets too close, too curious, and tries to send us swimming for shore, the best thing we can do is look it in the eye, swim toward it, and watch it scurry into the deep. And that’s how “swimming toward the shark” was born. I chose to use the word “swimming” rather than “swim” because it’s not a one and done directive. Growth and evolution are ideals we must choose to pursue every day. They require a firm commitment to look fear in the face and keep it from getting too comfortable. To keep it in check so we ca
Episodes
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ep. 23 friendships
Katherine explores the different types of friendships we encounter throughout life, emphasizing the importance of understanding their nature and the lessons learned from them. She reflects on her personal experiences with friendships that have evolved over time, highlighting the significance of...
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ep. 22 'failures of kindness'
Inspired by Professor George Saunders' commencement speech at Syracuse University, Katherine reflects on personal experiences of kindness and regret, particularly through the lens of childhood interactions with a marginalized classmate.
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ep. 21 the world she witnessed
Katherine reflects on the life of her grandmother, Evelyn Mae Fitzgerald Boozer, who would be celebrating her 100th birthday, highlighting the profound changes in society, technology, and family dynamics over the decades.
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ep. 20 chances
The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of 'chances' and how they influence our lives, particularly in the context of unemployment and personal growth. It delves into the emotional journey of adjusting to newfound freedom while grappling with the guilt and uncertainty that comes with it.
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ep. 19 slow takes
The essay focuses on the theme of slowing down and practicing gratitude through silent observation, as inspired by Rachel Schwartzmann's work. Katherine shares her reflections on her home and the various elements that contribute to its story, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and...
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ep. 18 alchemy
Katherine discusses her intention to cultivate a more deliberate writing practice in the new year, inspired by Suleika Jaouad's "The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life." She reflects on her experiences with daily creative practices, the challenges she faces, and the...
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ep. 17 encountering the grand
Katherine shares her profound experience visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, emphasizing the beauty and healing power of nature. The conversation explores the journey to the canyon, the emotional impact of witnessing its grandeur, and the reflections on the significance of such...
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ep. 16 embracing enchantment
Katherine shares her transformative experience at the Big Magic retreat with Elizabeth Gilbert, highlighting the mindfulness practices and creative inspirations she gained. She reflects on her journey of submitting her debut novel and the importance of meditation and presence in her creative...
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ep. 15 'when breath becomes air'
The conversation explores the emotional depth of Paul Kalanithi's memoir 'When Breath Becomes Air' and reflects on the beauty of enduring relationships, regardless of their length.
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ep. 14 when fear becomes our comfort zone
Through reflections on air travel, Katherine pinpoints the fallacy anxiety tells us - that the worry is what keeps the bad thing from happening - and how to rewrite the mental narrative.
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ep. 13 do collections preserve our past or weigh down our future?
Katherine explores the emotional and physical implications of family collections, questioning whether they preserve precious memories or create bulky burdens that follow us into our futures.
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ep. 12 thoughts and prayers
Following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Katherine highlights the need for change and accountability in the face of gun violence. Her essay emphasizes the importance of swapping our anxiety paralysis for disrupting the power pipeline and demanding accountability from elected…
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ep. 5 coming in for a landing
Katherine's recurring tornado dreams take on a different ending this time, conveying the emotional journey of overcoming fear and stress. This essay explores the symbolism of the dreams and the personal growth they can sometimes reflect.
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ep. 4 further on down the road
In this essay, Katherine explores the theme of transition and change and how to separate the "stuff" from the sentiment in the process.
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ep. 11 syncing with my sandbox
Katherine shares her experience of finding time for herself and embracing the gift of freedom and relaxation. She draws inspiration from a podcast and reflects on the universal advice given by the podcast guest, famed author and spiritual seeker Elizabeth Gilbert. The conversation delves into the...
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ep. 10 sleep interrupted
In this essay, we'll take a journey through a unique method for falling back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night, using visualization and mindfulness techniques to relax the body and mind.
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ep. 9 me? codependent?
This essay reflects on Katherine's struggle with codependency in relationships, realizing the need for change and growth. She learns about the concept of codependence and its impact on her life, leading to a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through reframing and releasing, she aims to...
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ep. 8 you're going to be okay
This essay explores the natural expression of vulnerability and the need for reassurance, the power of sharing and processing pain with others, and the healing power of human connection in overcoming pain and fears.
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ep. 7 sawubona
Katherine discovers the Meditative Story podcast and listens to an episode that resonates deeply with her personal experiences of anxiety and childhood fears. The episode features a story told by Dr. Susan David, a psychologist and author, and explores the theme of creating space for feelings and...
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ep. 6 the upside of cancer
This essay revolves around the experience of a sister's battle with breast cancer, highlighting themes of strength, gratitude, and the transformative nature of the journey towards healing.
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ep. 5 coming in for a landing
This essay delves into the interpretation of a recurring tornado dream and the journey of overcoming fear and anxiety. It explores the symbolism of the dream and the personal growth experienced through conquering fear.
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ep. 4 further on down the road
Katherine is in the midst of a transition, reflecting on the important distinction between the stuff and the sentiment. Takeaways Sentimental value of possessions Transition and change
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ep. 3 reinventing ourselves: possible or mythical?
This essay explores the concept of reinvention and the evolution of one's core self. It delves into childhood memories, experiences of self-doubt, and the realization that our past selves had their own fears and insecurities. The narrative emphasizes the gradual nature of reinvention and the...
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ep. 2 pause. notice. experience.
This essay explores the experience of embracing change and the importance of self-compassion during times of transition. It delves into the internal observations and emotions that accompany significant life changes, emphasizing the value of recognizing fear and embracing the present moment with...
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ep. 1 what is it about change that gets us so freaked out?
Overcoming fear and embracing change is essential for personal growth and success. This essay explores the impact of fear on our potential success and the importance of facing our fears head-on. It also delves into the analogy of facing fear with the same calmness as encountering a shark while...
About this show
As I was preparing to get my SCUBA certification, I asked my instructor what I should do if I saw a shark while diving. He told me that the best thing to do is to remain calm because sharks sense fear. Then he said IF a shark should become too curious and verge on aggression, the best thing to do as a diver is to – are you ready for this? – Swim. Toward. The Shark.
That blew me away.
What a powerful analogy for facing our fears. When fear gets too close, too curious, and tries to send us swimming for shore, the best thing we can do is look it in the eye, swim toward it, and watch it scurry into the deep.
And that’s how “swimming toward the shark” was born. I chose to use the word “swimming” rather than “swim” because it’s not a one and done directive. Growth and evolution are ideals we must choose to pursue every day. They require a firm commitment to look fear in the face and keep it from getting too comfortable. To keep it in check so we ca
Hosted by
Katherine Frazier-Jones