What can we learn from a penguin?
We can probably learn lots from penguins, actually, but in this case I’m referring to the story of a penguin in Argentina. A penguin called Juan Salvador. A penguin who features in the story, “The Penguin Lessons”.
I went to see this film last week not really knowing anything about it (I would recommend it by the way). I didn’t realise it was based on a true story, and I didn’t realise it was so political. But the bit I wanted to share today was the role of the penguin.
Don’t worry, it wasn’t a talking role 🙈
The penguin played a pivotal role in the story though, and therefore the film.
The penguin is rescued at the beginning of the film and taken back by the main character, Tom Michell (actually by the woman he is trying to woo but that’s not relevant to this story!). Over time, a friendship develops between Michell and the penguin. And as the penguin is introduced to others, they develop a friendship too. But the penguin can’t talk, so aside from the initial novelty of it being a penguin and looking kinda cute, what is it that develops the friendships?
Humboldt penguin like Juan Salvador
Well, the penguin listens.
And that is the lesson to be learnt here.
We all, at times, need to feel heard.
We all, at times, need to be able to talk in a safe space.
The penguin enabled that. Throughout the film, many of the characters opened up to the penguin in ways they couldn’t necessarily with others. They talked about their fears, they talked about things they were battling with in their mind, they talked about things from their past that they haven’t yet dealt with emotionally. And the penguin gave them space to do so.
We don’t always want to expose ourselves to people who know us. We don’t always feel comfortable being vulnerable around others when we’re feeling unsure of ourselves.
Where are your safe spaces?
Who do you talk to when you need to process emotions?
For me it’s a small and select group of people who I might open up to, but I’m aware that I still sometimes keep things inside (and that rarely helps). I also find it useful to utilise group safe spaces too, things like my online community, TLC. On our TLC calls we open up about things and support each other.
I do this in my coaching too - it’s important for my coaching clients to feel they are in a safe space and can open up with me, and I build that safe space by being open-minded, non-judgemental, and respecting their privacy. Just like the penguin.
So there’s two things I’ve learnt from Juan Salvador and the film:
Remember to open up in my own safe spaces (and make sure to nurture those relationships)
Be open-minded, non-judgemental and respectful so that I can provide a safe space for others
I might never be as cute looking as a penguin, but I’d love to have those characteristics and will be aiming to be more penguin (Juan Salvador rather than Feathers McGraw though!).