Dear Paul,
If someone had told me 3 years ago that I would someday land a role as a swimmer in a Kaiser-Permanente commercial airing on the 2004 Summer Olympics, I would have dialed 911, ordered a straight jacket, personally pinned it on that poor delusional soul, and paid for his psychiatric care to boot. Having nearly drowned at the age of 10 left me claustrophobic, not in confined places, but in the water. I often had terrifying dreams of drowning.
That first day when I was asked to put my face in the water I whined, "But that's the part that scares me most!" When I finally worked up the courage to do it I discovered the goggles and nose clip you insisted we wear alleviated nearly half my fears. Your infinite patience, soothing voice, and unlimited encouragement inspires tremendous trust and allowed me to proceed successfully through your course. You make the pool environment feel like a return to the womb.
By the way, I never told you how secretly proud I was the day you invited me to join your Advanced Lap Class. Now, I swim 100 laps or more for exercise several days a week. This fact and the graceful strokes you taught me impressed the director of the Kaiser-Permanente commercial enough to hire me even though he had someone completely different in mind for the spot. This is only my second commercial in my new mid-life career and I'm getting paid to swim! Isn't that a hoot?
Thank you, Paul. My dreams of drowning stopped long ago. Now, swimming feels like flying.
Hugs from one of your many Mermaids,
Evelyn Gallardo Root
P.S.
Root is my husband's name and my new stage name. It makes him very happy.
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Dear Paul:
This letter is long overdue. Someone at the pool today asked me how long I had been swimming, and I recalled that is was over four years ago that I enrolled in your first Los Angeles weekend workshop. Although I could float face down, I was very fearful of deep water and was unable to swim, in spite of the efforts of a number of instructors who had tried to teach me over the years.
At the end of the weekend workshop I was swimming survival strokes in deep water, and after a few more hours of practice, the deep water became a comfortable environment for me. Your snorkeling class was another big confidence builder, and I was able to enjoy my first deep ocean snorkeling experience at Molokini off the coast of Maui.
Your one-weekend crawl stroke class taught me the basics of the stroke, but you warned us that perfecting any stroke would take many months and hours in the water. Like many people in your program, I haven’t spent as much time swimming as I would have liked, but I have kept coming back to it whenever possible. The Sunday practices have really helped a lot. You can’t imagine the boost I got today when you said you couldn’t see anything wrong with my crawl stroke!
Paul, your program has truly added a new dimension to my life. Before starting your program, I would never have believed that I could snorkel in deep water or dive into a pool and swim laps without fins or a nose clip.
Thank you for your unique program; thank you for your friendship; and best wishes for your continued success.
Sincerely,
Noel
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To whom it may concern:
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Dr. Alice V. Houston, Assistant Superintendent for Education Support Services for Seattle Public Schools. I am in my sixth year in this position. I formally served for five years as Director of Curriculum for Oklahoma City Public Schools. I have also been a classroom teacher, principal and supervisor. I first became acquainted with Mr. Paul Lennon about two years ago.
This acquaintance occurred when I enrolled in his swimming class for Aquaphobics. Prior to taking his class I was very afraid of water. I believe that only a sensitive and caring person could help me overcome this childhood phobia. Mr. Lennon took a personal interest in helping me overcome my irrational fears. His gentle, sensitive, caring manner guided me every step of the way. I left his class feeling confident and secure. I owe this feeling of increased independence in swimming to Paul Lennon. There is no way I would have ever been able to swim in the Caribbean Sea this summer if it had not been for Mr. Lennon.
Sincerely,
Alice V. Houston
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Dear Paul,
I want to offer a sincere and heartfelt "thank you" for your guidance and support in helping me to overcome my phobia regarding deep water. I never would have guessed that one day I would be looking forward to jumping into the deep end of a pool. Each time I am in a pool enjoying myself I will think of you.
I wish for you much success with your program.
Take care,
Melinda
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Paul,
As an "aquaphobic" and a student at the Aquatic Development Clinic I would like to express in a few words what the classes have meant to me.
All my life I have had a great fear of the water and particularly a fear of drowning. I’ve taken many lessons during my lifetime, but still had that fear of the water and had given up ever getting over it. Then about 3 years ago I saw an article in the paper about Paul Lennon and his swim classes for aquaphobics. It took me over a year to get up the nerve to call him to see what he could do with me. I signed up for classes and have been a student ever since.
I have been very satisfied with my progress. Paul is an excellent instructor. He is patient and understanding of our problems and very encouraging. With his help, I hope, or rather I know that for me aquaphobia will be a thing of the past.
Sincerely,
Annetta
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Dear Paul,
I can’t thank you enough for the quantum leap you helped me take in my life. To be able to stay afloat in deep water effortlessly and without fear, and for 20 minutes, is a major breakthrough in my life! I really didn’t believe it could happen. Now when I think of water, it is with calmness.
Thanks again, Paul. You are an important change agent!
Paulette
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Dear Paul,
Prior to joining the Aquatic Development Clinic, I enrolled in 5 or 6 swimming classes, attempting to learn how to swim. However, I never lost my fear of deep water and was unable to venture into water more than waist deep. Now through the efforts of the clinic, I am swimming in the deep end of the pool. The greatest thing that has happened as a result, has been a wonderful week snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Hawaii.
Mary
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Paul,
Words cannot express my gratitude to you for exposing me to the "wonders of the water". The weekend workshop has opened up a whole new world for me.
I know that with practice and time, I will become confident and comfortable in the water. Thanks to your patience and kindness, I am learning to swim!
Rhonda
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Paul,
A year ago I came to your class with a great handicap...that, of course, was the inability to swim. Thanks to your instruction, not only have I overcome my fear of water, but learned to enjoy it. But I’ve gotten more out of your lessons than just swimming skills. From your teaching methods I’ve learned to apply similar techniques to other aspects of life, gaining confidence, peace and happiness.
Russell
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Dear Paul,
It is hard for me to believe that just a little over 6 months ago I walked through the front door of your clinic with absolutely no water skills, and more than a little skeptical about the ability of anyone to teach me to be comfortable in deep water. Yet today, though hardly an accomplished swimmer, I not only feel comfortable (and safe) in deep water, but have gained the confidence that I will realize my goal of being a competent swimmer and diver.
I believe your success is due both to your thorough knowledge of body dynamics in a water environment, and - perhaps more importantly - an uncanny ability to lead us through the psychological roadblocks that are constantly confronting us.
Few accomplishments in my life have brought me the deep sense of personal satisfaction that this has, and that is no exaggeration. I am really grateful to you for making this happen.
Sincerely,
Roy
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To whom it may concern:
Ten weeks ago I was terrified of water over five feet deep. Having been through beginning swimming lessons six times, I was convinced that I was a "hopeless case".
While I am by no means completely at ease in ten feet of water, after only ten weeks in the program, I feel that I will definitely master the skill of swimming and I will actually enjoy water activities.
In short, I believe that a minor miracle has occurred. Over thirty years of panicking near deep water cannot be quickly unlearned, but through this unique program of slow, patient teaching techniques, with the emphasis on real concern for the individual, I know I will be successful.
Sincerely,
Eugenia
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Dear Paul,
Just a brief note to tell you how helpful my classes have been. Since starting in 1979, I have been able to overcome my fear of deep water. Now I enjoy my time swimming and can use it for an exercise program. I will even jump into and swim in a lake! It has been a most rewarding experience to learn to enjoy the water.
Sincerely,
Karen |