For as long as I can remember, there have been two groups fighting over what exactly people are: some people fall into the camp of “Humans are NOT animals! Our higher functioning separates us from those mere beasts!” and the other group champions the idea of “We are APE now and APE FOREVER!”
I’m more of the “Ape forever!” variety. (Not as extremely as some people. Especially dudes who think that alphas and dominance are something we do. Embarrassing.)
However, I think of people as animals for one reason: it makes it easier for me to take care of myself. Especially now that I’m in college, (doing the bare minimum and still being carried by my parents, I must add) there is a lot of the whole “take care of yourself!” thing that falls by the wayside because no one told me what that always entails.
I started doing this back in high school in my sophomore year, but the general gist is this: if your’e not entirely familiar with what your body and brain want, the best way to do it is to have a layer of separation between you and your needs. Become your own pet! I’d never forget to take June on a walk, and I’d NEVER forget to feed her. So why is it that I can with myself?
So, now I’m my dog.
Why am I in a bad mood? Well, did I take me for my walk? Did I give me my food? Did I give me some enrichment?
All of the sudden, you have a pet checklist to work off of.
Maybe I’m grumpy because I forgot enrichment. My phone is my enclosure and I’ve been pacing around it all day, so no wonder I’m starting to get snappy. I might not be able to stuff raw hamburger in a giant plastic tube and hang it from the ceiling, but I can certainly do a puzzle or draw a picture. Boom! Enriched.
It’s a little silly, but it’s worked very well for me.
It also works outside of the usual ideas of self care (the walks, the food, etc.) and let me follow little impulses if I deem them worthy.
Why do I want to build a nest under my bed? I dunno! But it’s cozy and clearly I like being there, so why not? Why do I want to dance like a maniac in the shower? I couldn’t tell ya! But it’s fun, and do I need a reason more than that?
I’d never get mad at June for having zoomies, so why not me? You know?
I think a lot of people are so used to their own world, so the idea of things like washing your hair being deemed as “instinct” seems kind of stupid. And hey! If you don’t need to do this kind of thing, great! But sometimes I get in a weird feedback loop of “what do you want, body!?” and it’s easier to frame it as “Your monkey brain is mad because you forgot to eat a fruit today.”
Speaking of, I bought some kiwis the other day and I can’t wait to eat those bad boys.
https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/bonobos-may-resemble-humans-more-you-think
I just liked this article because I enjoy us being more closely related to Bonobos than Chimpanzees. That’s because chimpanzees are straight-up haters that would rip somebody’s face off if they want, and bonobos are chill dudes who enjoy hanging out with their friends.
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