Dolphin Healing: The Science and Magic of Dolphins [Paperback]

In this book, the author provides a fascinating and enchantingly personal account of his own and a few of his coworkers' interaction and experience of working with dolphins over a timespan of several decades. Beginning with a chapter on his own beginnings and background, he describes how the first dolphin that he met, Donald, influenced him enough to embark on a project that would change the lives of thousands for the better, and open up a vista of possibilities for recovery from dis-ease. The author muses on the role dolphins have to play in curing people from physical ailments, and recounts stories to illustrate his facts. The book also provides the discerning reader with an up-to-date account of the progression of research in dolphin associated therapy, until the time of writing (the year 2000), along with a list of addresses (both real and virtual) where anyone looking for help will find it.

Although the author begins his book with stories of dolphin assisted therapy, in helping autistic children and people suffering from severe depression, the author also diverges to other territory, i.e. dolphin dreamtime, where images of dolphins are combined with crystals and special audio visual tactile effects under a domed ceiling, in order to recreate the underwater dolphin experience. There is a lot of material on dolphin related activity in Japan, since one of the author's main collaborators is of Japanese origin. Other groups that have found special mention are certain tribes from the indigenous population of Australia, who have played an important part at the various Conferences and 'playshops' that have been organized in this connection.

This book is full of surprises. Each chapter is furnished with a delightfully serendipitous encounter around the corner, the experience serving as the answer, either as an answer to a question asked by someone, or as confirmation of a particular interpretation of an experience. The book is truly a joy to read. One gains an understanding of the intricate workings of Life, how we were made to Be and the way back to our own quintessence.

As the author himself puts it, "this is a living book". Highly recommended.