The week before lockdown in Los Angeles, I was in Hawaii attending a metaphysical dolphin seminar led by Joan Ocean, a telepathic dolphin mystic who has swam with dolphins for the past 30 years and claims to have lived with Sasquatches in the woods of Oklahoma for six years to boot.
Really enjoyed this. I spent a few weeks with Joan and her groups about 25 years ago and it sounds like she's just developed a more elaborate mythology. Joan and her folks just wanted so much to believe in magic that they made themselves see it. That's the generous take where Joan isn't a con artist preying on broken people. Anyway, much like you, I found that swimming with the dolphins to be pretty magical on its own. I didn't need a past life in Atlantis (which I was told I had) to find the beauty in it. The world is filled with amazing stuff already! And really horrifying stuff! Like the woman who came on the trip with the intent to have sex with a dolphin (no success). She should not be allowed near any body of water.
Such an entertaining read. As someone who has found himself in New Agey communities and carnivals, I appreciated how human you made that while still showing how bizarre things are. Also, the photos are a really nice touch. I read George Saunders Pastoralia right before reading this, and you held my attention more, so that’s my comparative compliment by which I mean you’re quite good.
Really enjoyed this. I spent a few weeks with Joan and her groups about 25 years ago and it sounds like she's just developed a more elaborate mythology. Joan and her folks just wanted so much to believe in magic that they made themselves see it. That's the generous take where Joan isn't a con artist preying on broken people. Anyway, much like you, I found that swimming with the dolphins to be pretty magical on its own. I didn't need a past life in Atlantis (which I was told I had) to find the beauty in it. The world is filled with amazing stuff already! And really horrifying stuff! Like the woman who came on the trip with the intent to have sex with a dolphin (no success). She should not be allowed near any body of water.
Such an entertaining read. As someone who has found himself in New Agey communities and carnivals, I appreciated how human you made that while still showing how bizarre things are. Also, the photos are a really nice touch. I read George Saunders Pastoralia right before reading this, and you held my attention more, so that’s my comparative compliment by which I mean you’re quite good.
the dolphins were lucky to have you!
Always enjoyed your work. Great read.
I've waited a year to hear this story... and it did not disappoint