Rick! Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful comments! Cheers, CH

Thanks so much for your wonderful and enlightening insights! For me, swimming with the dolphins is sheer timeless joy, and with that delight comes wonder and curiosity about them and their underwater world that we know so little about. It is an unforgettable experience that teaches me as much about myself as it does me about them. You so eloquently expand that human experience with your thoughtful inquiries regarding the human-dolphin interaction and inspire the reader to ponder thoughts beyond regarding a casual encounter with these marvelous creatures as mere coincidental play.

Yet even play is so important in developing our social and survival skills and learning about each other. We express our needs, emotions, boundaries and curiosity with it. We create and discover ways of communicating beyond traditional language. Your novel approach to expressing an interest in their society through ‘dance’ illuminates an unexplored opportunity to add to the growing compendium of knowledge illustrating that although they may not think in ways similar to ours when interacting with us…they must have some ’emotional’ or behavioral need that is met or expressed by doing so, just as we do. Would they choose to engage us in their natural habitat if this were not the case?

Do they seek comfort in discovering we are not the enemy, but allies? Are they just entertained by swimming with us? Or are they as intrigued as we are to find ways to express themselves to us? Indeed, their thought process may be as complex as ours though quite diverse, just as you suggest. We may never know. I do agree that because of this doubt we have a responsibility to engage them, in a manner that is respectful of their needs, and ‘listen’ to them through their interactions with us. We have so much to learn of each other, and of ourselves.

What are they thinking when swirling about you? Witnessing that wonderful interaction on another occasion was as magical to me as you describe it. It certainly seemed the polar opposite of any aggressive or defensive behavior that we know they are capable of expressing. I would describe it as a “group hug.” As you state, we may never be able to know their intent or thoughts for certain…but certainly we know you were accepted, if as nothing else, joyfully as a friend. Best of friends are always listening when needed to talk to and for them you’re a great friend and listener, keep it up!

RJO

Thank you so much, Susan! Yes, I remember watching the snail clip of Microcosmos at your place 😉
Thanks for reminding me that I need see it in its entirety! My story might be getting published in Japan! Keep your fingers crossed for me. xo, CH

Linda! I think you might just be right! Dolphins are such natural mimicks, I wouldn’t put it past them to be copying my bubbles rather than ‘speaking’ their own! What delightful creatures they are!
Thanks so much for enjoying the clips! xo, CH