I just can’t help it, I really do my best but it’s time for me to admit that I have a problem. It’s an addiction to dolphins. I am currently sailing from San Francisco to Diego and just sailed through another pod. It’s funny, no matter how many times I see dolphins, I still run for the camera and although I have thousands of pictures of dolphins, I just can’t get enough.
I love capturing images of dolphins while driving my modified row boat.
They just do something to me. My spirit lightens up, I feel the smile as it appears on my face and I get a little, well, giddy! I wonder if dolphins feel some kind of connection when they turn around and look at me. The more I think about it, the more I realize how every time dolphins have appeared there is a significant change in my life. Maybe there is something about the ancient dolphin spirit?
The first time I saw dolphins was when I was in my early 20’s. I was debating on a major life shift while sitting on a beach in Maui. A very tan woman walked up and asked if I wanted to purchase a ticket to take a catamaran out on the ocean and look for dolphins. I thought it would be incredible to see them in the wild and not in captivity. I purchased the ticked and boarded the boat.
I heard the crew talking with other charter boats on the VHF to figure out where they were viewing dolphins. Finally on the loud speaker, they announced that they located a large pod. The boat ramped up the speed and off we went.
Early morning dolphin play.
Sure enough, the dolphins began riding the wake of the boat. I remember sitting on the bowsprit with my feet dangling underneath. My toes were so close to the dolphins that I felt like my feet could touch them. They were curious and showed it by turning on their sides to take a look and see who is attached to the toes that were dangling in front of them. They turned around and jumped out of the water. I was sure that was an expression of pure joy! I was so moved by the experience that I started to cry. The tan woman that I bought the tickets from sat down next to me and I want to think that somehow she related to how I was feeling. I know, I felt something change inside of me.
After that experience I needed to make changes in my life and get closer to my own journey. So I did and began scuba diving and sailing.
It’s funny, I haven’t thought of this experience in a while. Interesting to think that lately there are many new shifts in my life and in a way I would like to think that, just maybe the shifts are influenced by my dolphin obsession.
“The Dive” 24” X 36’ X 3” Oil on Canvas by Robbie Ann
I am fortunate to live on a little beach that is often graced by dolphins. Perhaps it’s this spirit that is calling, (and sometimes screaming) inside me to follow the wind, connect closer to nature, and look for the simplicity in everything.
Sometimes when I need that connection, it appears. I hear the soft breath of dolphins breathing as the sun raises behind the mountains, then more breathing, breathing. I take my own deep breath and say good morning and a prayer of gratitude for the blessing.