The Benefits of Wild Dolphin Encounters - a Scientific Study

Dolphin's perceived intelligence, approachability, non-agressiveness and aesthetic beauty are key attributes in making them popular with wildlfe tourists.

Key Characterizations of dolphin-triggered peak experiences*:

1. Harmony- the significance of animals relationship to each other and the environment. Concept of oneness
2. Connectedness - Sense of destiny. Heightened connection to self.
3. Intention - Animal presents itself for the benefit of humans. Interpretation is dependant on humans.
4. Aliveness - Experience of awe, elation, deep joy or unconditional love. A pleasurable fear may grip the human.
5. Reciprocity of process - Eye contact is prominent and highly significant in the experience and is not interpreted as threatening. (DeMares and Krycka 1998)

*Some people have reported feelings of love, acceptance of death, and a loss of time during or after dolphin encounters.

*Peak Experience = moment of awe, intense happiness, even rapture, ecstasy, or bliss; triggered by external stimuli, individuals often feel unification with the world, aliveness, moments of intense concentration and can feel free from the burdens of time, fear and negativity. The experience can also be characterized by a person gaining revelatory insights about the world (Maslow 1962 and 1970).

Repeat experiences appear to give various moments of high concentration, a loss of time and effortlessness.

DeMares and Krycka 1998 Wild Animal Triggered Experiences: transpersonal aspects. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology 30 (2), 161 - 177

Maslow 1962 Lessons from peak experience. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2 (spring) 9 - 18

Maslow 1970 Religions, values and peak expereineces. Penquin, New York

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