May/June 2008 Conscious Media
Whales: Touching the Mystery

by Erin Donley

For more than 20 years, Doug Thompson has led expeditions in the gray whale birthing lagoons of Baja. He has experienced countless, mind-blowing connections with whales and has seen how encounters with these gentle giants have transformed humans. In his book and companion DVD Whales: Touching the Mystery, he tells about the hidden lives of whales and the modern threats they face in the world's waters.

Q. How did your interest in whales and dolphins begin?

A. As a young lad surfing off Huntington Beach, I had a gray whale surface in front of me. She took a look at me, slowly turned around, pumped her fluke a few times and was off. Ever since then I've been hooked.

Q. Why are people so attracted to dolphins and whales?

A. I think it's what they bring out in us. Dolphins, which are really small tooted whales, bring such amazing joy and excitement. If there are dolphins around, everybody is leaning out of the boat looking at them. Whales are different in that they are awe-inspiring. It's a different vibe. They are so massive, the biggest animals that ever lived on the planet, as far as we know. And the idea that they are showing curiosity toward us by bringing their babies to us is a huge change that has happened over the years.

Q. You say that whales are becoming more in touch with us. Why do they seem to be connecting more?

A. They are very curious about us, but also the whales are in trouble. I think they are making their last stand. They are still being hunted around the world, there's coastal pollution, over fishing, and global warming is having a huge impact. If they can't make it out there, we are going to be in the same boat here.

Q. So what can we do to help?

A. You can get involved by writing letters. You'd be amazed at how effective that still is. The National Resource Defense Council and Oceana are recommended for getting information. Just being conscious is a big part of it. It's better now than it was 20 years ago because people are talking about it.

Q. How has working with marine life and the ocean affected you spiritually?

A. It certainly has made me aware that there is absolute magic in the world. Out there in the natural world, it's bigger than us. When you look in the eye of the whale, it has intelligence to it and for me, it's saying, "Is that it? Is that the best you humans can do? You're going to murder us and pollute our oceans?"

That is the part that gets to me on a spiritual level. But also I just feel so fortunate to be part of this, and am grateful for this knowledge they are trying to give us. When there is too much human news for me, I will put on the films I shot with whales and I will think, "Yeah, there is hope."

Q. How can we give back a little love to them when we see them?

A. I always tell people on the boat to think their happiest thoughts. If there is a good vibe out there, the dolphins especially, will be attracted to that.

Q. How are people changed by your whale watching expeditions?

A. You would have tears in your eyes to see how people just can't believe they are having this experience. There they are, in a wild lagoon in Baja, and this whale and baby are right there. So many times I will watch people get off the ship and just walk down the beach, not talking much at all. That to me is spirituality - it's touching where we are supposed to be. We experience it here with marine life, but I think you can do it on top of a mountain or in front of a waterfall. All this other magic is right there.

Doug Thompson is an author, internationally recognized naturalist, and award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker. Visit www.dolphinworks.com. Join Thompson at New Renaissance Event Center in Portland on May 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. To register, call 503-224-4929 or visit www.newrenbooks.com. Erin Donley, the "eyes and ears" at New Renaissance Bookshop, offers a free weekly e-newsletter listing events, book and product reviews, and a concise look at modern-day spirituality.