Ginge’s Question

Ginge's Question

In all honesty, I recognize that my way of seeing the world is not everyone's cup of tea, especially when most enjoy drinking coffee. That is to say, I appreciate everyone's perspective and do my best not to dictate that things should be the way I see them. If what I have to offer calls to you, great. If not, that is great also. I am also very aware that you were on this trip mainly because of a personal experience with a dolphin and maybe me. I hope this introduction will help make sense of how I answered Ginge's question.

Upon arriving back in the States, our pod, save for Rebecca and Margo, joined together for a big lunch, and thank you again, Brenda P., for letting us store our luggage in your room. Amongst the lively lunchtime conversations, Ginge asked me an excellent question. She wanted to know what it was like to lead a trip while participating in it. My initial answer to her was very simple: "I knew no other way." As I answered her, I knew there was more to be shared. After all, life is about choices and layers, available space and timing. I now would like to honour her question.

In my forty years of guiding people, I have learned that there are basically two types of group leaders. Ones that draw attention to themselves and seek adoration. Others move throughout the group, flushing out those deep personal insights each person feels and coupling them with an ability to adapt to new situations. I have been both types of leader, and I have found that the latter is far more rewarding for each individual on the trip, the whole group dynamic, and me.

It means that, as a guide, I am aware of all of the spoken and unspoken interconnecting stories, themes, hopes and worries that make up the tapestry of our group dynamic. Knowing this is for me when the true guide goes to work. That guide has learned that it is less about herding people to a predetermined outcome and more about finessing each person towards the truth of their vision. They then support them as they live those moments to the best of their ability. I believe this helps others create lasting memories.

Whatever our backgrounds, we shared a similar vision of what could be for one week, then did our best to live that vision with like-minded people. Unsurprisingly this collective consciousness, in my opinion, ripples out through the world, and we announce it to the dolphins as well. It says something about who we are as humans. As your guide, it is also about watching everything, ensuring our collective message is as clean and clear as each member intends. It is to act somewhere between conductor and lubricant, channel and observer. I regularly ask myself, "Where do I, as the guide, step in, and when do I let someone have the experience they called for themselves?" It is a subtle and gentle balance, and when I get feedback when something feels out of alignment or completely spot on, I observe and respond.

I choose to lead trips this way because I have learned that life-affirming statements are less about being cliché and more about living in opportunity. As such, I tend to meet people like you who see the world similarly. We are not right or wrong; instead, we share a unique perspective.

Now I realize that at this point, I have yet to give you something tangible or definable. I hope you hear that guiding is about being fluid and flexible and providing structure. Yet not so much that the "mystery" is unveiled because some things are best left unspoken, cherished as they are.

For those who have mentioned leading a trip, I highly recommend it. It is a beautiful way to experience where you can shine and discover those aspects that are still in development. As a guide, you can then find moments to duck under the water and share a few moments with the dolphins, provided they are ready for you. Then return to the well-being of the group. Again, a guide is about orchestrating others' dreams, to the best of their ability, in a safe way, and where they have control of the outcome. A guide is present and invisible.

Thank you, Ginge, for asking the question, and I hope I have answered it for you. Thank you all for celebrating life and sharing your dolphin experience with me. If you have any questions or observations, please feel free to email me.

Many Blessings,

Mark