I realized in that moment that I had allowed myself to get caught up in the dramas being acted out on the world stage. I began to cry very hard at that point. My tears were not of sorrow this time but rather tears of release from the illusions of separation that I had temporarily bought into.

My mask had fogged up from crying. I took if off and rinsed and cleared it. Before replacing my mask back over my eyes, I allowed myself to lie back in the water and simply float, breathe and relax, recalling the potent words of wisdom that had just permeated my body, mind and emotions.

I could feel the dolphins all around and underneath me beaming me love and reassurance that all is well, no matter what appears. After repositioning my mask, I dove down under the waves to immerse myself fully into the water. Floating and spinning and diving even further into this clear, turquoise silken liquid I felt free of care in a new and stronger way. As I began my ascent for a breath of air, a mother dolphin joined me with her baby. Blowing bubbles from her blow hole, the baby repeated the word with great confidence. “Faith - Faith - Faith”, she said. The mother and her baby stayed with me for I'd guess about an hour. From time to time we were joined by the rest of the pod. (Dolphins' common behavior while in a bay is to circle within it. Quite often they will move out into deeper water then circle back into the shallows. So there is never need to swim after them because they almost always come back in.)

I felt such comfort from the mother as if she were energetically nurturing my wounded heart. The baby continued looking at me with such sweetness I could feel my heart melting, returning only to feelings of love. After a while, other swimmers joined us, many were close friends and community members. The dolphin pod appeared happy to see their human friends and they began jumping in the air spinning and flipping to everyone's delight and cheers. I had such an emotional cleansing that I swam with my friends a little longer before heading back to shore. On my way in, I spotted a large octopus resting within the bumpy recesses of a huge mushroom shaped coral. He took on the same appearance as the coral in color and texture. I was surprised I was able to spot him in his disguise. I observed him from the surface of the water choosing to leave him to his peace. Then I continued on my way to lie down upon the warm, smooth lava-lined shoreline and reflect on my experience this morning.

While in my reflective state, I thought about these wondrous dolphins and the descriptive name of "Earth Angels" came to mind. They come to us and give their love, acceptance and assistance so purely. Dolphins have been known to protect humans, save lives and even guide ships through stormy seas. Their connection to humans is legendary and to understand them best is to see them through our hearts and remember to see every man, woman and child in the same light. When we do this, we can more easily look at others with compassion rather than project an unkind reaction to them. From a place of compassion, understanding and resolving an issue or situation can be brought about in peace, for the highest good for all.

Copyright 2000 by Sheoli Makara

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Rev. Sheoli Makara, M.A., Reiki Master founded Awakening In Paradise Retreats in 1996 as an inspirationally beautiful place for introspection, rest and adventure. She chose a spiritually rich environment which is excellent for contemplation, to expand consciousness of Oneness and well being. She combines her knowledge and expertise in psychology, as a naturalist, a Reiki practitioner and an intuitive with a blend of performing and fine arts, humor, healing modalities, mindful spiritual practice. Interwoven with focused programs are adventures above and below the azure blue Hawaiian waters.

Sheoli began her many years of experience with dolphins in the wild in 1983 and shares her knowledge generously. She concurs with dolphin researchers that the effects dolphins have upon humans are exceptionally beneficial. The combination of the programs, the dolphin experience and this sacred vortex quickens healing processes mentally, physically and emotionally.

In 1992 Sheoli developed her Creative Activation Programs designed to inspire people to reconnect with their creative spirit and integrate creativity into their lives. The empowering benefits from these programs include a stronger self esteem, the ability to surrender limiting beliefs and to turn the fear of expression into the freedom of expression. One of her greatest joys is to introduce people to these retreats and observe as personal miracles occur.

Sheoli’s first spiritual teacher was her Native American grandmother who taught her about all aspects of life including the “unseen world”. At a young age Sheoli learned how to travel out of body consciously to where her curiosity and intentions lead her. Sheoli says, “Traveling out of body is a natural occurrence that people accomplish while asleep. Because most people are not consciously participating, they tend not to believe it. For many, its difficult to believe even if they have been aware of such experiences. When people are lead consciously they know it is real.”

For those who feel ready to consciously experience "Soul Journeys", Sheoli offers simple processes to help guests break through fears that have held back such experiences and safely guide them on these amazing and beneficial journeys. The next step after a series of guided meditations is to help guests consciously make contact with their enteric guides who will accompany them on your journeys. Guests will learn how to take themselves on these journeys to continue consciously delving into higher dimensions and traveling through time and space.

The first realization people comment on is the exhilarating experience freedom that lies beyond the body and the ability to bring back that essence into the body. This experience expands all areas of awareness and helps to uncover a variety of aspects of 'Self' past, present and future. "Soul Journeys" result in a big leaps for some and feel like home to others.

Sheoli Makara a former performing artist since a child, continued her spiritual studies and also received her masters degree in clinical psychology. She followed her heart and had a successful career as an actor, dancer, teacher and choreographer until fate hit her in several directions all at once and she shifted the focus of her life to healing physically, psychologically and emotionally. Through a dedicated focus into spiritual studies, she began sharing her breakthroughs, understandings and experiences in workshop formats. From there she founded Awakening In Paradise Retreats based in Hawaii.