06/11/2025
While working with Dr. John C. Lilly at the Human/Dolphin Foundation, we hosted a number of celebrities and friends for swims with Joe and Rosie Dolphin. Ram Dass tells the story of his first time in the water with dolphins on a recorded talk I heard. He named Rosie his Greatest Teacher of Intuition. To the best of my memory, this is how the story goes: Ram Dass and Rosie, his Greatest Teacher of Intuition
Ram Dass tells a story of his swim with two dolphins, Joe and Rosie.
These dolphins lived in a pool as communication research subjects for Dr. John Lilly’s Human/Dolphin Foundation at Marine World in Redwood City, California. Lilly encouraged volunteer staff and visitors to spend time interacting freely with the dolphins. The protocol was not to establish a protocol or expectations for new swimmers. It was up to each person to develop their own way of relating to Joe and Rose.
This was Ram Dass’s first experience swimming with dolphins. Floating in the pool, Rosie swam right up to face him. The dolphin opened her long jaws and clenched Ram Dass’s forearm between her 88 sharp teeth. Lying sideways, she looked up at his eyes.
Ram Dass had no preconceived way of responding; this was an unexpected and unique position for him to find himself. Rather than reacting in fear or uncertainty, rather than becoming embarrassed as his friends observed his interaction from the sidelines, instead of any conditioned response, Ram Dass took this novel situation as an opportunity to respond anew, using this moment to jump out of his boundaries, to find out Who He Was in this intimate moment.His intuition told him that this was not a threatening event but a moment of real connection.
Ram Dass entered a state of calm, centered acceptance of Rosie’s mouth wrapped on his arm. While in his state of emptiness, Rosie let go of his arm and turned to offer her dorsal fin. Her fin fit into his palm and she pulled him into a ride across the surface of the pool.
Instead of self-preservation attempting to get frre of the sharp teeth, or the social context dictating self-conscious behavior, Ram Dass allowed intuition to rise to the forefront. Ram Dass felt truly alive, genuine, and in touch with his values as a human in an intelligent non-human’s home. He established a relationship with the dolphin which allowed trust to bloom between them.
Ram Dass called Rosie his “greatest teacher of intuition.”
GG
Certainly, Roberta! Here’s a retelling of the story in a way that captures your voice and emphasizes the theme of intuition:
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Ram Dass and Rosie: A Lesson in Intuition
In the serene waters of the Human/Dolphin Foundation at Marine World in Redwood City, California, an extraordinary encounter unfolded. Ram Dass, known for his spiritual wisdom, found himself in the company of two remarkable dolphins, Joe and Rosie. These dolphins, under the care of Dr. John Lilly, were part of a communication research project that encouraged a unique approach: no protocols, no expectations. Each person was to discover their own way of connecting with these intelligent beings.
For Ram Dass, this was a first—a swim with dolphins, a dive into the unknown. As he floated in the pool, Rosie approached him with a curious grace. She swam right up to him, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that spoke volumes. Then, in a move both unexpected and profound, Rosie opened her long jaws and gently clenched Ram Dass’s forearm between her 88 sharp teeth.
In that moment, Ram Dass found himself in a situation that defied any preconceived notions. Instead of reacting with fear or succumbing to embarrassment under the watchful eyes of his friends, he chose a different path. He saw this encounter not as a threat but as an opportunity—a moment to transcend his boundaries and connect with his true self.
Guided by intuition, Ram Dass entered a state of calm acceptance. He understood that Rosie’s gesture was not one of danger but of connection. In this shared space of trust and openness, Rosie released his arm and offered her dorsal fin. With his hand resting against her fin, she pulled him across the surface of the pool, a dance of mutual understanding and joy.
This experience was more than a swim; it was a revelation. Ram Dass realized that by allowing intuition to guide him, he had tapped into a deeper sense of aliveness and authenticity. In Rosie’s world, he found a reflection of his values—a reminder of the beauty in trusting the unknown and embracing the present moment.
Rosie became, in his words, his “greatest teacher of intuition.” Through her, Ram Dass learned the power of listening to the quiet voice within, of finding connection in unexpected places, and of living with an open heart. This story serves as a potent reminder that our intuitive selves often reside in the spaces where we dare to let go and truly be.
Ram Dass and Rosie: A Lesson in Intuition and Connection
In the tranquil waters of Marine World, Ram Dass discovered a profound truth through his encounter with Rosie the dolphin. This experience wasn't just about swimming; it was about embracing intuition, connection, and the unexpected beauty of the present moment. As Rosie gently held his arm, Ram Dass chose to trust his instincts, finding a deep sense of aliveness and authenticity in the process.
This story beautifully aligns with our mission for the upcoming humpback whale swims in Moorea. Just as Ram Dass found his intuitive self through Rosie, we aim to guide our participants in discovering their own inner wisdom and connection with nature. Our core concept is about creating transformational encounters that inspire personal growth and a renewed connection to the world around us.
In Moorea, we invite you to immerse yourself in the majestic world of humpback whales. These gentle giants offer a unique opportunity to experience the same kind of intuitive connection and trust that Ram Dass found with Rosie. As you swim alongside these magnificent creatures, you'll be encouraged to let go of preconceived notions and allow your intuition to guide you.
Our mission is to foster an environment where you can explore your own boundaries, embrace new experiences, and connect deeply with both the marine world and your inner self. Through these encounters, we hope to inspire a sense of community, joy, and awareness that extends beyond the waters of Moorea.
Just as Ram Dass called Rosie his "greatest teacher of intuition," we believe that the humpback whales of Moorea can be your guides to a more intuitive and connected life. Join us on this journey of discovery, where the ocean becomes a classroom and every swim a lesson in living fully and authentically.
ere are five prompts to help access and recognize intuition in daily life and in connection with nature and oceanic whales:
1. Reflective Journaling Prompt:
o "Recall a recent experience where you felt a strong inner knowing or gut feeling. Describe the situation in detail. How did your body feel? What emotions surfaced? Did you follow this intuitive feeling? Reflect on the outcome and what it taught you about trusting your intuition."
2. Nature Connection Exercise:
o "Spend time by the ocean or in nature. Observe the natural rhythms and behaviors of the environment around you. As you watch the waves or the movement of marine life, ask yourself: What feelings or thoughts arise within me? How do these natural elements reflect my inner state? What intuitive insights am I receiving from this connection with nature?"
3. Guided Visualization Prompt:
o "Close your eyes and visualize yourself swimming alongside whales in the vast ocean. Imagine the whales communicating with you through their presence. What messages do they convey? How does their wisdom resonate with your current life situation? Write down any intuitive guidance you receive from this visualization."
4. Daily Intuition Check-In:
o "At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on decisions you made or actions you took. Identify any moments where you relied on intuition. How did you recognize it? Did it guide you positively? Consider how you can cultivate more awareness of these intuitive moments in your daily routine."
5. Intuition and Trust Building Exercise:
o "Think of a decision you're currently facing. Sit quietly and place your hand on your heart. Ask yourself: What does my intuition say about this choice? How does it align with my values and desires? Write down the first thoughts or feelings that come to mind. Consider taking a small step based on this intuitive guidance and observe the results."
Recognizing and Trusting Intuition:
• Physical Sensations: Intuition often manifests through physical sensations, such as a feeling in your gut or a sense of calmness. Pay attention to these bodily cues.
• Emotional Resonance: Intuitive insights usually align with your core values and evoke a sense of peace or clarity, even if the logical mind is uncertain.
• Practice and Reflection: Regularly engage in practices like meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature to strengthen your intuitive awareness.
• Trust Incrementally: Start by trusting your intuition in small decisions. As you see positive outcomes, your confidence in its guidance will grow.
