The Joyful Musical Troupe: What the Whales Taught Me About Connection and Companionship
Every winter, the majestic humpback whales migrate from the frigid waters of Alaska to the warmth of Hawaiʻi to breed. While these magnificent creatures can be visited in person in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands from January through March, telepathic communication allows us to engage with them from afar at any time. Physical distance is no barrier. What matters most is cultivating a space of openness, respect, and a willingness to listen—not just with the ears, but with the heart. My own experiences with the whales have led me to believe that they are eager to communicate with us humans anytime, anywhere. Taking the time to listen to their thoughts and feelings has been life-changing for me. Still, there is something truly awe-inspiring about witnessing their joyful expressions of life in person in the beautiful waters of Hawaiʻi. Whether near or far, the relationship we share with nature is always available to us.
Recently, while wandering through a farmer's market near my home in the mountains, I stumbled upon an artist's booth where I discovered a striking painting of a humpback whale breaching. The contrast between the glittering ocean in the artwork and the farmer’s market setting made the painting even more captivating. At that moment, I recognized that the whales were urging me to share their story through this writing.
My first physical encounter with the whales took place in March 2022, on an excursion to O‘ahu. It was a solo adventure. I went alone on the boat, free for the day to embark on my own island explorations. The boat was full of tourists, but I was the only one without a companion. When I boarded, I felt a mix of both excitement and loneliness. As the only solo traveler, I drew curious glances from others. Yet, a quiet sense of possibility stirred in my chest, a certainty that I wasn’t alone in a deeper sense. Once the boat set sail, I initiated a silent conversation with the whales, greeting them warmly. In that moment, a gentle calmness spread over me, a sense of being welcomed into a vast, unseen community.
I asked the whales to tell me about themselves. Ever curious, I telepathically posed questions that came to mind: about their life in the sea; interacting with each other, other creatures, and humans; migrating north and south seasonally; and their breeding and feeding processes. I listened intently for their responses, which the whales sent to my mind as ideas, words, or images. I subsequently verified my understanding with simple yes-or-no questions, just as I had practiced in my animal communication class. If I understood them correctly, I would hear the whales confirm with a “yes”, which reassured me that I had heard them well.
Almost immediately, I felt their kindness enveloping me like a warm blanket. They told me they were swimming all around under the surface of the water below and had decided to make an appearance to greet our boat. Sure enough, sightings of whale spouts and fins soon confirmed their arrival! The crowd erupted with gasps of wonder. The boat’s passengers, myself included, stood watching in awe, mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the moment, as the good-natured whales gleefully welcomed us to their waters.
While I stood on the deck of the boat looking out over the ocean and reveling in the sight of whale tails, the whales communicated another type of tale with me. They graciously shared their personalities and stories; they spoke of their journeys between Alaska and Hawaiʻi, the rhythms of their lives intertwined with the cycles of the ocean. Each story felt like a gift, unfolding in my mind like a secret long kept, now revealed to a trusted friend. My heart welled with wonder and appreciation. The extraordinary wisdom of the whales flowed through me, a direct line of communication with them that surpassed the information provided by the tour guide. The guide mentioned the number of whales in the pod. I had heard from the whales that there were two more beneath the surface, a fact confirmed moments later when the guide adjusted her count. I smiled to myself, realizing just how intertwined our worlds had become. I was no longer merely an observer of nature, but an active participant in this dance between species.
The whales breached multiple times, a rare and breathtaking sight that left even the seasoned tour guide in awe. Each breach felt like an invitation—an exuberant expression of life and joy that resonated deeply within me. I stood there, entranced, feeling their joy reverberate inside me. The experience was transformative, deepening my gratitude for animal communication and the rich, unseen connections it revealed. The solitude of the excursion, initially felt as loneliness, transformed into a sacred space of reflection and connection. I came to appreciate that being alone allowed me the freedom to converse deeply with the whales in a way that wouldn't have been possible with another person present. This solitude, once a source of isolation, became a cherished backdrop for a profound communion with the whales.
At that moment, I realized that solo travel, combined with my ability to communicate with animals, meant I would never truly be alone. I would always have someone to talk to and someone watching out for me. This thought brought incredible comfort. Sharing life experiences with animals gives even the simplest moments new meaning. It was as if a new world had opened up to me—a world where some of the most meaningful relationships of my life transcend the typical human belief that connection is limited to our own species.
I didn’t see the whales again until two years later, in March 2024. This time, I wasn’t going alone. The profound impact of my first experience inspired me to plan the next one so that my spouse could come whale-watching as well. We booked a sunset sail in Honolulu, and as the date approached, my anticipation grew. Would it be the same? Would they come? I eagerly communicated my plans to the whales in advance. They reciprocated my enthusiasm and assured me they would come to visit. It was a date!
This tour happened to feature fewer tourists; ourselves and two other guests were the only participants, alongside two tour guides. Upon beginning our voyage, the tour guides led our group in a Hawaiian chant to honor Mother Earth and to ask for her permission and protection for our journey. I then enveloped the boat in a bubble of healing Reiki energy, extending it a few yards out from the boat, so that the ocean and the animals could experience healing Reiki energy.
As we cruised, the whales disclosed to me that they were located nearby. They explained that they were telepathically guiding the captain towards their location. The captain followed their lead. They expressed their happiness at our return and conveyed their willingness to pause their activities to visit with us. They wanted this moment, too.
The captain turned off the engine after spotting a whale spout in the distance. Then it happened. In no time at all, we were completely immersed by a pod of humpback whales. The majestic creatures swam right next to our sailboat. It was magical. Their gigantic backs and fins arched above the surface of the water with effortless grace; their tails emerged in friendly waves. The sight of baby whale tails brought a smile to my face. The whales explained that raising their tails out of the water provides valuable navigational information—and it feels good! While some tourists may have felt uneasy by their close proximity, I knew they were being careful. No harm would come to us. Nearby, but still with a considerate distance between us, we witnessed spectacular breaches which we experienced as a testament to the whales' playful spirits and comfort with our presence.
While there were many whale pods swimming in the ocean around us, the whales directly surrounding the boat introduced themselves to me as a pod renowned for their songs and melodies. They shared that the name of their pod translates from a beautiful ancient whale language to “Joyful Musical Troupe” in English. The whales related that many changes had occurred since my last visit two years ago, including births, growth, deaths, and social reconfigurations of their pods. The whales acknowledged the healing Reiki energy I had extended. They were grateful, and I was honored. They expressed appreciation for the love and respect the local Hawaiian people demonstrate towards the whales, and gratitude for the laws protecting them from boats with active motors. The whales related that they themselves played a role in advocating for this law. They also discussed their relationship with humans in general, explaining that while a fin-full of humans all over the world have been currently talking with them, they would love to speak with even more!
Eventually, after what felt like a few hours, the whales began to move away from the boat. I put it together that the time they began leaving corresponded to the time I ceased conversation with the Joyful Musical Troupe. The tour guides shared their astonishment at the unprecedented closeness and duration of the encounter. They noted that in all their experience, they had never witnessed whales approach the boat so closely or remain for such an extended period. Even they were amazed! I realized then that communicating with the whales had once again drawn them closer to us.
The whales taught me that even in solitude, we are never truly alone; that the bonds we forge with nature can enrich our lives in ways we never possibly imagined. Interacting with animals brings a comforting presence that eases life's struggles and adds layers of meaning to our experiences. Whether through direct communication or simply sharing space, knowing that another being is there enhances our sense of connection and makes life feel fuller. When I was a child, my grandmother would advise me, “Show yourself to be friendly, and you will always have friends.” This wisdom extends beyond human relationships to our relationships with animals as well. By approaching animals with kindness, we open the door to their companionship. The next time you encounter an animal that piques your interest, try extending a simple greeting—it might lead to a meaningful exchange.
The story of the whales is one of grace, wisdom, and enduring connection. It is a tale I am honored to tell, inspired by the magnificent creatures who welcomed me into their world with open fins and open hearts. Magic is all around us. We just need to open our hearts to see it.
In what ways have animals added meaning or joy to your life? Let me know in the comments!
Key Takeaway:
By opening our hearts to listen and engage with the natural world, we can experience a deep sense of companionship, even in solitude. This relationship with nature enriches our experiences and reminds us that we are never truly alone.