Why Can't We Be Friends?

His massive form broke the surface of the water and for a moment time stood still. Casual observers did little to distract him from his goal. Unaware or indifferent, he had a job to do and he was determined to see it all the way through to completion. No innocent bystander was going to deter him from satisfying his hunger. Droplets of water erupted from his blowhole and a gasp of appreciation filled the air. His admirers were spellbound by his innocent invasion. Has a humpback whale ever been this close to a human before?

His attitude is remarkably admirable. Rather than voice his irritation by breaching or attacking, he reacted to his dinner guests with quiet and deliberate movements. Slowly, gently gliding through the glassy water he moved with the grace of a friendly traveler passing through town. Eventually he ate his fill and moved on, leaving his spectators as he found them- enchanted and completely unharmed.

His majesty is breathtaking for more than just his table manners. His eyes were on the prize and distractions were simply not worth mentioning. He focused on the task at hand, careful to treat his companions with the respect and honor they deserved. Is it really necessary to make waves when the atmosphere is this peaceful? Tranquility is a gift in itself. Rather than resent his distractions, he made them a part of his routine, engaging them in his ritual rather than intimidating them with his size. He embraced cultural differences and treated everyone as an equal, regardless of their station in life. There is one goal and it is to love and be loved.

In choosing humility and kindness, his dream was fulfilled and everyone around him was changed for the better. Humanity could stand to learn a few of his techniques. 

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”

Henry David Thoreau

Click here for the photographer's jaw-dropping images of this real life whale encounter.