Today, 11th December, marks what would have been my father’s 92nd birthday. As I reflect on my life, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the profound impact he had on both my personal journey and career. My father, Maurice Shaw, passed away on 17th April at the age of 90. While I have often celebrated my mother’s achievements, I realise it is time to share more about my dad’s incredible influence.
Without my father’s guidance, the Shaw Method might never have existed. In the mid-nineties, during a particularly challenging period in my life, he encouraged and supported me to pursue Alexander Technique training in Israel. At the time, he knew very little about the technique, but he had an instinctive feeling that it would be beneficial for me. He was absolutely right. That training became a pivotal moment in my life, bringing a sense of freedom and ease on land that I had only ever felt in the water before.
It was also my father who suggested integrating swimming with the Alexander Technique—a concept that initially seemed puzzling to me. However, as I began to release tension in my body through the Alexander Technique, my relationship with water transformed. I discovered a new sense of ease and flow that I had never experienced during my years of competitive swimming.
Today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dad. Thank you, Dad, for inspiring me to pursue the work I love and for your boundless kindness and generosity of spirit. I miss you every day and promise to honour you every time I get in the water.
This blog post is not just a tribute to my father but also a reminder of the importance of trusting intuition and the transformative power of encouragement and support from those we love. It is a testament to how one person’s belief in us can lead to a lifetime of fulfilment and discovery.