Two years ago I had the extraordinary privilege of going on a trip with my spouse to swim with manatees. The trip was a special gift from him and fulfilled a big dream of mine. The guide service took care to teach everyone getting on the boat NOT to touch the manatees or get close to them. The manatees could come to us, but we couldn’t go up to them. Because at the end of the day, we were entering their home.
I, too, had a gift once, of swimming with manatees. It was just as you describe, cold, wet and glorious. I did feel like a guest in a home, one I could visit with special accoutrements, but not one I could really inhabit permanently. I like the spiritual traditions that give voice to the truth that all of us, from microbes and insects to wks and elephant share the same lather home, and as guests, inhabitants, visitors and travelers, respect, love and admiration for one another and our Earth are the passports truly, deeply required of us.
I, too, had a gift once, of swimming with manatees. It was just as you describe, cold, wet and glorious. I did feel like a guest in a home, one I could visit with special accoutrements, but not one I could really inhabit permanently. I like the spiritual traditions that give voice to the truth that all of us, from microbes and insects to wks and elephant share the same lather home, and as guests, inhabitants, visitors and travelers, respect, love and admiration for one another and our Earth are the passports truly, deeply required of us.
Thanks for listening, and posting.
You're so very welcome! Thanks for reading! And I'm so glad you were able to swim with manatees. They are very special.