How is it possible that three completely different species, stereotypically known to dislike each other, can get along? In the video below, Gregory Pike explains that it’s not too good to be true.
Aside from being a delightfully uplifting story, this video holds special meaning for me. I believe that the same principles can apply to Be Self Aware and our own journeys to discovering our Self – the calm, confident core of who we are.
Have you ever met someone who you felt you just couldn’t get along with? I believe that in those situations, that person triggers vulnerable parts of us which, in turn, causes us to react in some way. Perhaps we argue with that person, or we avoid them. Although our individual reactions will vary, I believe that these reactions aren’t simply instinctual and that on a subconscious level, there’s something more occurring during these interactions. I believe that this can be altered.
Most of us would initially think that dogs don’t get along with cats and that cats hunt rats, and that’s just the way it is. The above video shows that this might not be the case. According to Internal Family Systems, our reactions to other people and situations come from a place in our subconscious that is attached to our past experience. When we encounter someone who triggers our vulnerable parts on some level, we act or react in ways that are intended to protect that vulnerable part which may have been hurt, frightened or traumatized in the past. This is a learned behaviour, one that can be changed. We just need to change the belief attached to that experience.
In the video, Gregory comments on the message that he’s trying to communicate: “People come up and [ask], ‘What’s the message behind this?’ And I’ll say, ‘Well, why can’t the human race get along? Or why can’t people get along?’” Gregory believes that we can get along, and, based on my experience with IFS and Be Self Aware, so do I.