Deeper dive…paradigm shift

In the decades that I have worked in healthcare, there has been a hit parade of buzz words and phrases : “paradigm shift,” “at-the-end-of-the-day,” “thrown under the bus,”“low-hanging fruit” and…”are we complete?” That last one was from a consultant who brought his own hanger to meetings for his suit jacket. We did not remain “complete” with him for very long.

The buzz phrase today is “deeper dive:” when examining issues or making plans with complex dimensions, we must take a “deeper dive” before moving forward.

This morning I was swimming laps and I do not take deep dives into the pool, just rhythmical strokes back and forth until I have covered a mile. During my last few laps I did stroke down to the bottom of the pool, stretching my arms, slowing the pace and thinking about the day ahead. Then a shimmering spot caught my attention, I slowed way down, circled back and picked it up: a diamond earring.

I paused and wondered about who may have lost it, on what occasion it came to its owner. .. And I know it wasn’t the “deeper dive” that took me to the shiny prize, but the slower pace, the pay-attention-to-the-moment choice.  Buzz words I’ll keep.

(Yes, I gave the earring to the pool’s manager.)

(About the photo: A swimmer surfaces after plunginginto the Tsunami Swirl pool at Kenwood Cove in Salina, Kan. AP Photo/Salina Journal, Tom Dorsey)