1. THE ZEN OF SWIMMING - LEARNING FROM DOLPHIN
DR. MICHAEL T. CLARJEN-ARCONADA
NATURAL BIOLOGICAL MEDICINE - HEALTH / SPORTS SCIENCES
MIAMI BEACH (305) 926-9679 - SPAIN (34) 656 434 443
SKYPE: AMBERWAVESHEALTH - WWW.NATURALHEALTHMETHODS.ORG
P.O. Box 828, Sag Harbor, N.Y. 11963, USA
This course is the culmination of a life-long journey which began in childhood with a quest
for the mastery of swimming technique and fascination – communication with dolphins –
cetaceans.
We will immerse ourselves in the Biology – Psychology – Spirituality of Dolphins –
Cetaceans (C.). Becoming one with our breath and finding the path of least resistance in the
water will enable us to communicate with dolphins – c. in the wild, in an optimal way.
Through the gradual mastery of swimming technique we will prepare ourselves to interact
with dolphins (learning from dolphin). The zen of swimming constitutes a method of self-
transformation at all levels of functioning (biological, psychological and spiritual) towards
the attainment of enlightenment in this life with simple means.
The zen of swimming begins with zazen (meditation) practice in order to develop a
heightened state of consciousness characterized by: being in the moment (here and now),
beyond ego clinging and conceptual entrapment, discovering our true higher-selves, letting
our intuition surface into awareness, and experiencing profound – unmovable peace … and
… boundless joy.
This practice of no-movement (zazen) evolves gradually (through a series of breathing
sequences - pranayama) into movement: a series of asanas (dynamic postures) the author
has designed to facilitate psychomotor learning of optimal swimming motion. The zen of
swimming pranayama and asanas are practiced and mastered first on land … and
immediately brought to the water (developing optimal swimming technique) … in order to
experience effortless optimal floating and optimal motion through the path of least
resistance in the water … be water, my friend!
Becoming one with our breathing motion and the water (as we master the zen of
swimming) produces one of the most joyful experiences a human being can generate.
In this way (through the zen of swimming) we train ourselves for optimal interaction –
communication with dolphins – c. in the wild. A feeling of confidence will emerge … leading
to spontaneous manifestation of joy in motion … and optimal conscious communication.

2. The experience of being supported (embraced) by water and sliding (moving) effortlessly
through it constitutes one of the most gratifying practices the human being can enjoy. The
application of Zen to swimming practice can be described as finding the path of least
resistance in the water. The Zen methodology of training/learning is applied to generate
optimal performance in swimming practice.
THE MASTERY OF A UNIQUE SEQUENCE OF MOVEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH
OPTIMAL BREATHING PROCESSES form the core of this creative methodology of
psychomotor learning. This line of research identifies common principles and patterns of
movement in the training and performance of Olympic champions and world record
holders in the history of modern swimming: Johnny Westmuller, Mark Spitz, Alexander
Popov, Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps. This methodology instills a type of effortless
swimming, gliding through a path of least resistance in the water. It validates the Zen
principle: less is more; with less movement and effort, we generate more harmony and
speed.
Dr. Clarjen-Arconada practices Natural Biological Medicine, with over 30 years of experience helping patients
regenerate from illness (whether it might have somatic and/or psychological predominance) prevent disease
and develop optimal levels of health and fitness. Dr. Clarjen-Arconada came to the USA with a research
Fullbright Scholarship and has maintained a private practice in the New York – Hamptons area for many
years. He has been University Professor (Long-Island – Southampton Campus) where he taught one of the
first University accredited courses in Natural Biological Medicine. He has taught also courses, seminars,
lectures and workshops throughout Europe and the USA on various aspects of Natural Biological Medicine.
His interests are focused on a progressive integration of natural health methods, which the person can learn
and apply easily in his/her everyday life.
A published author, Dr. Clarjen-Arconada is an expert in the fundamentals of health and optimal
performance. Dr. Clarjen-Arconada has developed a unique methodology of training to facilitate the
creative learning of complex psychomotor skills involved in all sports, athletic disciplines, and every
type of performance based activity. This innovative method is entitled TOTAL TRAINING FROM THE
INSlDE OUT. It is deeply inspired and rooted in the knowledge, works and legacy of Rudolph Steiner. It
enables the human being to achieve optimal results.
Dr. M.T. Clarjen-Arconada is thoroughly bilingual (English - Spanish) fluent in French and conversant
in Japanese. He is a teacher of Zen Yoga - Karate: Goju-Ryu karate-Do. An athlete since childhood he has
competed in various athletic disciplines. On a regular basis he practices martial arts, tennis, swimming
and sailing.
An expert in the fields of Health and Sports Sciences, he maintains a private practice and has coached
world-ranked players and Olympian athletes. He was part of a team of coaches for Spain at tbe
Olympics in Barcelona '92 and Atlanta '96. Dr. M. T. Clarjen-Arconada resides in The Hamptons (Long
Island) and New York City.