Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Gracias

 

We just returned from a trip to Mexico where we had the opportunity to experience dolphin therapy. Aside from being playful and fun, dolphins emit sonar which is said to have a therapeutic effect on the body. While there, our daughter let go of a lifelong fear of "sinking" which holds her back from truly swimming. While receiving sonar to my own head, I personally was able to release some burdens I'd been carrying for a long time. It was as if these things I'd been holding onto drained right out of my body and out into the ocean to be dissolved. 

Dolphins are truly magical, gentle giants. While there, we learned that dolphins are conscious breathers, having to think about each breath. They don't sleep. One half of their brains rests, while the other one is alert, allowing them to breathe. They can't be anesthetized, because then both sides shut off, and they die. 

What would it be like if we all were aware of our breath? Would we be as joyful as the dolphins?

 

 

Michelle O'Neil is author of Daughter of the Drunk at the Bar. She blogs at www.fullsoulahead.com. Her daughter has Asperger's and her son has PANDAS. For more on our dolphin experience click the link in the post above. For more info on the therapeutic dolphin program mentioned in the post click here.

 

 

5 comments:

  1. Something so wise about not letting both sides of ourselves be asleep at the same time.

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  2. How very cool...and such a unique and therapeutic experience for your family. Did the dolphins "talk" at all...with their unusual voices? Just curious.

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  3. I love the picture! And I love any alternative therapies/movements that help us reconfigure our lives as parents with these special kiddos. Sounds like a great trip.

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  4. It's not often that one comes across a picture of life jacketed white people flashing gang signs at a dolphin.

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  5. wow this sounds just so wonderful and healing

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