Conscious Whalewatching
We embark on respectful visits to the sea. Let's remember that the ocean is their home. We will navigate aboard duly authorized vessels. They also comply with current regulations on approaching cetaceans, respecting minimum distances, and even more.
Being aware that they are animals in freedom, we must respect their space and we cannot ask whoever navigates to come closer, but rather that the rules and well-being of the animals are complied with.
We will try to make it as sustainable for the environment and as less annoying as possible for them. Unfortunately, and honestly, no motor boat is respectful. All of them disturb the rest and communication of these animals. Even electric motors that initially seemed to make less noise, are not. Recent studies have been published indicating that they emit sounds at the frequencies perceptible to cetaceans (which we do not hear) and disturb them.
Sailing is not feasible for the usual tour that is carried out on the islands to spot, perhaps punctually. Therefore, being aware that we are going to disturb in some way, we will try to do it as little as possible.
Like someone who takes off his shoes so as not to disturb. We will bare our hearts, with the humility of knowing that these great beings require a lot of delicacy on our part to preserve their environment.
We collaborate with local companies that practice good practices and strive to respect the environment as much as possible, with honesty and dedication to the sea.
Although the retreat is not a tourist activity itself, we inform attendees when they are sightseeing around the island in their free time or on other days. We ask that you treat her with great affection. The care that this treasure of biodiversity deserves. For this reason we inform about respectful practices, and some to avoid. Mindfulness in action.
Before the boat trip we will have a talk about the species of cetaceans in the Canary Islands, their biology, behavior, curious facts, recent research. Its importance for the islands, for the ecosystem, and for the planet as a whole. Also addressing its connection with many ancestral traditions, how they are related, what they represent on a spiritual level.
A guided meditation to connect with a species and/or individual and integrate the information received.
Once on the boat we will be relaxed and in moments of silence and meditation.
Later on land we will consolidate the experience. We will share what we feel... And much more...
Interspecies Communication
Interspecies communication encompasses many components. From body language, sounds... to reaching the deepest and truest feeling that connects all beings in an authentic and natural way. That's why I like to call it natural communication.
Through a series of relaxation and connection exercises we will experience another way of listening and transmitting. Maybe it's the first time, maybe it's a reminder of something that already happened, or maybe it happens to you all the time. In any case, it is something innate, natural, which, although it requires some practice, is not difficult nor does it require special gifts.
Thich Nach Hahn, great teacher of mindfulness (who introduced it to the West before it was accepted and included in clinical practice) introduced the concept "interbeing".
Every Being has consciousness and we are connected in the web of life in a much deeper way than what is apparent, with a broader meaning...
The practice of mindfulness does not belong to anyone, it is a state of being and allows us to connect with that same being, inside and outside ourselves and exchange information in that vast and magical network. Simple and magically natural. We human animals are quite confused, which is why there are great challenges in the world that are destroying the web of life.
We need to return to our most natural state, which so many traditions try to remind us of. Be attentive in mind and heart of interbeing. Everything we are is in connection with what surrounds us, we could not be really "independent". We are connected. We can feel ourselves. And we can feel others. There is a lot of scientific explanation about this, and we would like to accompany you to understand it from different approaches, but above all to feel it because it is mainly experiential. You know when you live it, when you feel the other and that exchange of information occurs at various levels.
Nowadays it is not known where consciousness is. Eminent scientists work on different lines of research that range from searching the brain and attention systems to panpsychism, which maintains that all forms have consciousness. They are serious lines without results that indicate an answer. We know cetaceans have consciousness
and we add a Spirit.
Currently, the University of Saskatchewan (in Canada) is carrying out studies and research on intuitive animal communication, together with scientists, communicators and native people from different areas; integrating their wisdom, and creating groups to study the benefits of applying it to the environment. We are up to date with research and presentations, and we prepare our research and projects by learning from doctors and natives who help us with IAC application.
We talk about current and serious science. And we talk about spirituality and ancestral serious traditions. And how they handle interspecies communication.
Though serious there is room for enjoying, laughter and humor. Because a happy heart communicates better.
Mindfulness
Body awareness, inhabiting ourselves lovingly. Breathing as a natural process of connection with life and with cetaceans. Awareness of the environment, inhabiting it lovingly.
Mindfulness is more than a technique, it is a state of consciousness. A state of being, of interbeing in interbeing.
Today, the results of scientific research have shown its benefits in clinical application for certain disorders, for chronic pain, stress... as well as in educational settings of all levels.
Its practice was introduced years ago in the West, but it is not a fad, nor a novelty, it is ancestral and its benefits have earned a place in hospitals, universities, research, educational centers, clinical consultations...
Therefore, it deserves respect for the place where it comes from, and thus we will explain its basics, its applications and its origins from both approaches. And most importantly, we will put it into practice in an environment that not only facilitates your practice but enhances it and gives you a sense of real connection.
Psychology incorporates terms like solastalgia and nature-deficit disorder. It is about putting words to some problems that are affecting our psyche and emotions, our health.
With this experience we want to give ourselves that which some people lack in their daily lives...
Mindfulness, nature, feeling connected, because we are.
We do not come to disconnect, we come to connect, to remember that we are connected, to realize it.
Although the practice requires continuity to improve our lives... practicing it in such an environment and in company opens doors for us if we don't know it, and helps us share it if we already practice it.
In addition to practice and certain specific knowledge, the commitment to the practice of mindfulness is guided by a series of principles, which as a facilitator Mónica tries to follow in her daily life. It becomes a way of life.
Mindfulness with you, with the group, on the beach, in the ocean, in connection with cetaceans... that is what we want to share with you. Silent. But also with joy and laughter.
YOGA
Yoga is a path of union.
Beyond the body part and the sports focus, it is a practice that unites our mind, body and spirit driven by discipline and flexibility.
Transformation is personal, each path is unique. The postures and methods are guides to some directions so as not to get lost along the way. Thousands of years old, its practice has been incorporated in the West for its benefits on a physical and mental level. Demonstrated in numerous scientific investigations.
Although it is associated with different traditions and a series of common beliefs, in the West it has often lost part of the philosophy that surrounds it. Thus losing part of its essence.
We share it in a practical, loving way, open to any type of creed. Without losing all its essence and value on a spiritual level.
María del Mar will adapt each class to the different levels of the group. It is about learning, having fun, sharing with others and improving practice by comparing only with oneself. Therefore, all levels are welcome, whether you want to learn, improve your practice or simply share and experiment in this magical environment.
