How quickly the pool transforms itself today. I marvel at its volatility, so silver-sleek it defies the human eye to match its fleeting pace. I attempt to hone my senses, to be more attuned to its speed, but my best efforts are no match for its mercurial tempo.

A thousand expressions have come and gone in the blink of an eye, yet the sheer act of attempting to perceive sharpens me, brightens my mind. The experience helps me to be more alert, more astute, more aware, more ready to respond to the unexpected.

The day of quickness teaches me readiness. The pool is my mentor; this moment, my rehearsal for a lifetime that follows.

How fast are your reflexes? How rapid is your reaction time? Moving water, the flight of a bird, a leaf caught by a sudden squall, are all opportunities to practice "eye chi", the martial art of seeing.