Swimming was her guide to physical, mental, spiritual and emotional balance. An elevated level of mental discipline is required to swim long distances. It is an opportunity to meditate and when that occurs, it is possible to communicate with one’s spirit and feel a calming effect. Of course, swimming also cleanses the body. Edna’s first foray into the sport was at the age of 28. She believes that swimming saved her life and helped her to focus her creativity and hyperactivity.
“The support of my mom was the key. She introduced me to the world of swimming. She bought me all the equipment and motivated me to get up at five o’clock every day to train.”
“As a child, individualism was one of the things I did not understand and still do not understand. Wellness is part of relating to other people. I think when we do something for someone else there is a positive chain reaction. If your heart, mind and physique are in league, and your intentions are altruistic, you will achieve total wellness.”
“I have achieved milestones and won medals. But when I started swimming for the benefit of someone else, it awoke another reality in me. It is a cause that connects my spirit with physical activity. Thus began the project ‘Por Ellas… Somos Uno’ in 2006.”
Swimming proves that we can attain spiritual and emotional wellness through sport. The challenge is no longer to beat someone else. Instead, you compete against yourself. You are looking to overcome personal challenges and your own fears.
“Harmony with oneself and tolerance for what surrounds us are the keys to a life of well-being.”
Edna decided to use swimming and her personal experiences to help more people. The mission of “Por ellas … Brazadas en Pro de la prevención del Cancer” is to spread the word about the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, as well as promoting healthy living through sport.
“The Sea of Cortez event “Por Ellas… Somos Uno” has been successful year after year since 2008. The beauty of nature in La Paz lets you compete against your own limits, while watching dolphins, stingrays and fish in the open sea. In addition, participating in this event involves teamwork that teaches tolerance and respect for others by showing that when hearts come together for a cause nothing is impossible.”
