I relate to dogs a lot. Every time I see one I say hi. I’m an uncle to a lot of dogs as well. I often end up dog sitting for friends and family. I live in a place where everyone seems to have a dog. I still get excited whenever I see one. I frequently ask their owners if a can pet them. I love playing with dogs. I’ll get on all fours and hunch down in the play posture. Sometimes the reaction is like “why the hell is this human speaking dog?” It may also be similar to when I say a few words in a foreign language with a good accent when I’m not actually fluent. The recipient responds by quickly discussing whatever matter comes to mind not realizing that I don’t actually know that much.
Often, I find myself in a state of feeling like a dog. Not in a demeaning way, but definitely in a simple way. Play, eat, drink, …squirrel! Not much else going up there… I’m usually pretty happy when I’m in this state. Of course it may also be a state of survival mode.
I’ve recently been exploring a couple concepts. One is recognizing different parts of myself, the other is giving myself love. I’ve noticed that there are these layers of self-love that are difficult to wade through. It’s hard to love myself the same way I love other people. It’s difficult to even recognize the parts involved in this process. Most other people I talk to have the same problem. A lot of people are their own worst critic, and while telling others to be easy on themselves they are secretly beating themselves up.
When I had a pet rat living with me, I was constantly concerned about his well-being. Was he warm enough, cool enough, getting enough attention, eating well, safe from potential predators, did he have enough stimulation and things to play with? Having a friend mess with my rat in a not very loving matter brought out the first time I’ve ever threatened anybody. I didn’t even know I had that in me.
During this process of learning self-love, there are times when I could reach out to people but my own insecurities get in the way. I get in the way of helping myself. In recognizing different parts of myself, I’ve started to play a game with self-love. I pretend that when I’m hurt or needy, I’m taking care of an injured pet. I’m my own pet… It’s been surprising that it’s actually pushed me to be more proactive in taking care of myself. I’m simultaneously bolder about reaching out and more gentle with myself. How much do I love the animals and people that I have an affinity for? Why would I be any less deserving of that love?
I recently saw a friend post on social media that when elephants see people it activates their brain the same way our brains are activated when we see puppies. The conclusion was that they think we’re cute. I haven’t done due diligence to fact check this yet, but I love the idea and hope it’s true. It also really reinforced my game. Would an elephant want its puppy beating itself up or not being taken care of? Thanks elephant.