Lessons from My Octopus Teacher

To be honest, I only heard about this documentary through friends who were posting about how wonderful it was over social media. The title really piqued my interest, but it also made me wonder why so many of my friends were raving about an octopus documentary. I know that many of my friends are divers and marine ecologists, like myself, but would there be a lot to learn from an octopus?

“A lot of people say an octopus is like an alien, but the strange thing is, as you get closer to them, you realise that we’re very similar in a lot of ways.” Craig Forster, nature filmmaker

The story is so simple and yet it succeeds in portraying the complexities of life. It’s easy to guess that he forms a unique bond and friendship with the octopus, but what surprised me was how he was able to make his experiences relevant to the audience. He begins the story by disclosing that he is in need of a “radical change”. He’s lost the feeling of joy and purpose, and recognises that he needs to do something about it, before it affects more of his life and his relationships, especially with his son. I think many people can relate to similar feelings throughout life.

Lesson one – when feeling stuck, move. He decided he would go freediving into the cold waters of False Bay in South Africa. He went every day. Sometimes, just getting out of the immediate, everyday environment we’re in helps in giving us a fresh perspective.

Lesson two – when feeling lifeless, immerse yourself in life. Craig immersed himself in the cold kelp forests and allowed himself to be in awe of his octopus friend, as he allowed himself to be in the presence of what he called, “the pure magnificence of her”. He talked about the cold water and how it allowed you to feel alive. Your senses are switched on and soon your body adapts to the cold and all you really care about is the sensation of flying through the underwater forest.

Lesson three – when feeling uninspired and wearisome, create and share. The film is also essentially a personal journey through this friendship. He made space to create new, even unique bonds and he took the time to nurture that friendship. His journey allowed him to find the joy in life again, and he was able to share this with his son and be the kind of father to him that he wanted to be.