Beneath the Waves

Unveiling the Profound Dance of Gratitude Among Dolphins

Enzo Mallorca, the esteemed Italian diver, embarked on a transformative dive near Syracuse, accompanied by his daughter Rossana. A gentle impact on his back as he descended revealed a dolphin seeking assistance, not play. A silent conversation unfolded in that moment, transcending the barriers between species.

Following the enigmatic dolphin, Enzo discovered another trapped in the depths, ensnared by an abandoned net. Urgently, he beckoned for a diving knife, and together with Rossana, they orchestrated a symphony of compassion beneath the waves. The dolphin, liberated from its aquatic prison, emitted a poignant, almost human cry—a testament to the depth of its gratitude.

The underwater ballet continued as the freed dolphin, still disoriented, joined Enzo and Rossana alongside another dolphin. Unexpectedly, it was revealed that the rescued creature was not alone—it carried life within, soon birthing a newborn dolphin. Amidst the aquatic celebration, the dolphin father, in a circle of appreciation, swam towards Enzo, tenderly touching his cheek in a gesture reminiscent of a kiss—a profound expression of gratitude that resonated beyond words.

In the wake of this profound encounter, Enzo Mallorca reflected, declaring, “Until a person learns to respect nature and communicate with the animal world, they will remain oblivious to their true role on Earth.” This underwater odyssey freed a trapped life and unveiled the intricate threads of interconnectedness that bind all beings, reminding us of the profound lessons encoded in the silent language of gratitude shared by animals and humans alike.


Chris Palmore, a.k.a. the Gratitude Junkie, best-selling author of The Mechanics of Gratitude and The Little Book of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, is a gratitude conductor, coach, and keynote speaker. He has created the anthologies Dear 2020: Letters to a Year That Changed Everything and Dear Gratitude: An Anthology, founded the nonprofit GratitudeSpace Inc., and is a host on GratitudeSpace Radio. He also publishes the journal Gratitude Journey.

If you’d like to work with Chris, contact him at hello@gratitudespace.com.