A Shining Tale by Emilio C. Bulos (2019)
With 90 different species roaming all the oceans in the world, Whales are some of the largest animals with whom we share Planet Earth. And whereas we are discussing baleen or toothed Whales, they all share similar traits. From Humpback Whales to Blue Whales, the largest animals in the world, they all build a culture and survive together, hunting, caring and communicating with each other. So, in this edition of The Mindsets, we’ll explore the qualities, virtues and skills Whales teach us through their way of life. As Mark Carwardine said, “To have a huge, friendly whale willingly approach your boat and look you straight in the eye is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.”
1. Harmony
Whales teach us the value of harmony within a community when sharing space. In a piece for Time Magazine, photographer Brian Skerry discussed some of the findings he encountered as he spent years studying the wonders of Whales. In his research, he noticed how Whales that belong to the same species but live in different communities establish different ways to harmonise as a community. Whales build unique dialects, create diet preferences and even host singing competitions. However, beyond these, they pass on ancestral traditions that belong to their community, share them with their family and cultivate relationships with their family and neighbours. Similarly, we must work together and harmonise to benefit from each other’s strengths and reach our desired destination. The harmony built within Whales is the most natural example of the value of our communities and support groups, including our families, friends, mentors and even strangers.
2. Communication
Whales teach us the vitality of good communication when working in a team. Beyond establishing dialects in their communities, Whales share a common language. Expressed through singing, Whales whistle, click and use pulsed calls to express their callings and messages. And beyond that, some Whales even assign unique sounds to their calves, meaning they have names! Additionally, when above the surface, Whales can use their fins and tails to make slapping noises and communicate non-verbally. Whales usually use these sounds for hunting. So, like Whales, we must understand the power of communicating and learn how to communicate effectively. We must learn how to address our audience adequately to clearly transmit our ideas and opinions, avoiding misunderstandings and diminishing the time between finding a consensus and taking action.
3. Instinctual
Whales teach us the importance of following our instincts to survive. Whales follow warm water when they want to mate and give birth and cold water when they want to hunt, as food is abundant there. Additionally, Whales protect other animals against Killer Whales, and although some suspect it is an altruistic aspect of their personality, it is most likely they protect the animals because their instinct tells them to fight against the hunters. Nevertheless, Whales follow their instincts to survive and keep their species growing. Therefore, trust your gut without disregarding the value of reason and logic. Our instincts are primal to our survival and are essential to why we have overcome so much hardship as a species and evolved into what we are today.
Whales are astoundingly intelligent creatures. Their brains have a cell called spindle neurons, which permit them to recognise, reason, remember, communicate, perceive and adapt. And though those, Whales develop their ability to create harmony in a community, communicate brilliantly, and feel and trust their instincts to survive. So, remember the importance of developing relationships with those who surround you. Know the value of speaking your mind clearly and adequately, and trust your instincts when they push something into your mind. Now, we invite you to adopt The Whale’s Mindset as we work to become more noble, receptive and harmonising creatures in a world that needs more of these.
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