Orangutans

We saw orangutans everyday. More than once i was within two feet of one. I took some pictures but something happens when you are really quiet and attempting to make a heart to heart connection with them. And suddenly taking photos seems less important than just connecting. And being fully present. There were many times when they would sit peacefully and hold eye contact or come close to one of us and just "be". The rangers allowed us to stay much longer than most groups because of they support Loesje's work and our way of being in their space. We generally spent 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon at feeding stations.

Many times we would arrive and there was no sign of orangutans. Loesje would give us an energy or consciousness exercise to do, and when I'd open my eyes, a mom and baby would have come to the station. Or I'd hear crashing in the trees and see them swinging in from the jungle.

Spending time with them in this way was very powerful and emotional.

Here is a medley of orangutan photos.