Why Antarctica for a Desert Psychotherapist
Eight years ago I climbed into the icebox island of Antarctica and entered into a magical universe. I chose that place and these animals to demonstrate therapy. Why? First, I live in the desert, and to see such extreme terrain and wildlife should wake up any sleeping Arizonan internet peruser. Plus, the longer I roamed the country the more I felt I was in a family, although one with much purer motives than our “civilized” world! The animal siblings played, fought, and played some more. All mates, once seduced, were absolutely loyal to each other and to their children. Sea Lions laid two feet away from Penguins. I saw penguins quarreling, feeding, preening, swimming, taking care of, and loving each other. The most striking experience was the first day we landed on one of the islands: Tens of thousands of chin strap penguins were huddled together, standing close, silently facing the freezing air, quietly waiting for the chill to subside, protecting each other, and just waiting for the wind to change. And all winds, by nature, do change direction, speed, and temperature. Just like the circumstances of our lives. Just like our beings can change and transform. The change is perfect if the timing and action are synchronized.
No Polar Bears are in Antarctica! I tossed in the photo from a trip to Greenland in the Arctic, as I could not resist showing the warmth the bears display to each other.