"It’s a great art, is rowing... a symphony of motion"

My rowing coach had to step down due to personal health reasons. I already miss his coaching. Here's what I wrote to him:

I just want you to know that I've very much enjoyed and benefited from rowing with you. I appreciate your coaching style which clearly is also your approach to the Bigger Picture-- a zen-like or maybe Taoist view when the not-doing is as important as the doing... of the importance of being smooth and letting the boat run and of the river moving rather than jamming on it, forcing it. You made this a great crew by instilling respect-- for the sport, for each other, for you-- I for one strive to row better not out of the need for competition on any given day, but for the enjoyment of better for better itself-- thank you. You are an inspiration.

When I graduated high school, our crew coach (Tim Wood) gave us a framed version of G.Pocock's famous quote, which seems to fit right about now:

“It’s a great art, is rowing

It’s the finest art there is. It’s a symphony of motion

And when you’re rowing well,

Why it’s nearing perfection-

And when you reach perfection

You’re touching the divine.

It touches the you of you’s

Which is your soul.”

- Stan Pocock