Dynamics of a Dolphin Swim
by Katryn Lavanture

There is a term that I've read about called "dissipative structure". It means "an open system that transforms anything that contains or defines it." The more coherent and intricate the structure that contains that system, the more it calls for transformation, i.e. The more coherent and complicated a structure becomes, the more unstable it becomes. Example: To explore it's potential, energy crystallizes into form, then breaks down that structure to transcend that form. Another example would be consciousness. The more confined and complicated our consciousness or awareness becomes, the more it pushes for transformation and expansion.

Swimming with dolphins, these journeys taken to experience the dolphin spirit intimately, remind me of this concept of dissipative structure. In our desire to become more than we are currently, we take ourselves into a dynamic that is almost certain to transform what is constrictive and unstable, whether in our thoughts, bodies, emotions, beliefs, behaviors, or even in our spirits.

A dolphin swim experience involves a meeting of many forces - Nature, Cetacean, Vortex energies, Human mind/ego, and Spirit - every one of them powerful in their own right, and each one perhaps contributing to the creation of a dissipative structure.

The following is an exploration of the dynamics of a dolphin swim focusing on the above mentioned interactive forces:

The forces of Nature are a more impersonal force and presence that we must interact with on it's own terms. We are required to be flexible, present, open to all possibilities, prepared for anything it presents to us, willing to have it co-create our destinies. In our journeys the biggest natural presence is water - the ocean as a feminine, mysterious, changeable entity that is like one huge moving being when we are living on it. It is changeable according to the effects of wind and sun around and on it, and may or may not be available to us in the way we want it to be.

Cetacean Dynamics (cetacean's are dolphins, whales, and porpoises). The dolphins offer a very unusual dynamic to humans. On one hand we are naturally drawn to them because of their sheer beauty, grace, fluidity, and playfulness. Quite simply, they are a joy to watch.

On the other hand, their sonar frequencies are high enough and powerful enough to alter cell structure, change brain wave patterns in humans,, and influence emotional and mental states of being.

Together these are a powerful combination, but when you factor in the dynamic of water - the ocean - you have an even more potent stew. Water is a highly effective conductor, so whatever happens in a dolphin encounter is amplified in that element much more so than being on land. The ocean, as an entity in it's own right, carries it's own potent force and energy that absolutely has an effect on us whether we are aware of it or not.

A final dynamic is that most wild dolphin encounters happen in high energy spots on the planet. The areas where wild dolphins have made themselves available for up close interactions with humans are typically places recognized as vortex areas, sacred spots, or "special" places on the earth, i.e. Hawaii, The Bahamas, the Red Sea, Australia.

Vortex areas - The Bahamas are in a planetary vortex known as the Bermuda Triangle. A vortex is like an acupuncture point in the earth, a place where cosmic energy moves back and forth into and out of the physical planet. It is a place where the vibrations are higher compared to other earth points, and the veils between dimensions are thinner. The triangle is a vortex, but it is an unstable vortex, meaning there is a "wobble" in how the energies are conducted into and out of the planet.

What this means for us is that there are increased possibilities for reaching heightened states of awareness, or transcendental states of consciousness, but there are also increased possibilities for other parts of ourselves to be activated or 'buzzed". In any situation where you put yourself in the presence of higher vibrational frequencies - whether in a geographical location, in the presence of a master or guru, through music, meditation, lovemaking, etc. - you run the risk of activating the shadow in yourself. (The more light that shines in you, the easier it is to see the darkness.) It is very common for people to have their ego/emotional body/small mind issues stirred up in high energy places like Bimini.

Finally, there are the dynamics of the cosmic or spiritual component, the force we might understand as the Creator, or God, or the Great Spirit, as well as our Higher Self, our guides, and/or any other non-physical presence that influences our lives and our choices. This is in addition to the cetacean higher consciousness which, I believe, is a very real presence both on the planet and in the lives of those who are drawn to them. I always take into serious consideration direction each participant is getting from their own inner guidance as well as from the "call of the dolphins".

Around all that I believe there is a greater influence of Spirit regarding the "karma" of each trip - who is drawn to come into a particular group, what will the group dynamics be, how will the dolphins assist in creating the group experience, what will the weather influences be on any particular trip….In other words, what is the destined experience for each planned trip as each particular force and each particular person contributes to the greater focus of Spirit. There are many variables and windows for free will and conscious intention to influence outcomes, but I do believe there is an over-lighting point and purpose to each journey. When you look at all these factors, you can see how a dolphin swim experience is an incredible opportunity for growth, change and transformation. When I look at all these dynamics, I see that the one force that may not be working in concert with all the others is the lower self, ego, personality self. It is our will, our fears, and our inability to see with clear sight that can interfere when these opportunities are presented to us, yet it is these very things that are given the most opportunity for nurturance and incredible healing on these journeys.

Along those lines, I wanted to address the fears that are commonly present around these swims. Here's a list of pretty common fears that come up - see where yours fit in, cause I know you're going to have some!

Fear of:

Drowning - which includes being in deep water, being away from the boat, not being able to float or support yourself in the water, and jumping off the boat into the water.

Sharks Being close to big things in the water who are supposed to be friendly but might not be

Small quarters

Being on the boat for so long

Seasickness

Hurricanes

Wearing the mask and/or snorkel

Then there are lesser fears which I'll put under the heading of concerns.

Concerns:

The dolphins won't come

If the dolphins do come they won't interact with me

The weather will be bad

I won't fit into the group, or I won't like the group

I won't like the food, or there won't be enough food

Not being a good enough swimmer to keep up

And probably some I haven't thought of.

Well, let me say that these are all normal, everyone brings some of these fears and concerns with them, they will all be addressed during the trip, and I can almost guarantee that whatever fears you come with will not be with you when you leave. I have seen it happen every time - every person works through their fears to the point that the person who came on the boat the first day is very different from the person leaving on the last day. If they haven't worked through the issue, they worked around it. Trust it will be the same for you.

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Katryn Lavanture facilitates wild dolphin swims, and lectures on the dolphin-human connection as the Director of Spirit of the Dolphin Journeys. She can be contacted at 215-848-1666 or dolfun@dolphin-spirit.com, or visit her website: www.dolphin-spirit.com.