Strength in my pack
"My little pack ❤️ I have several in my pack, but these two are my favorites 🧡"
I have periods where I experience body pains. Some are more intense than others, of course. But menstrual pain, oh boy! It's in a league of its own! I have endometriosis. If you're wondering what that is, you can Google it. Otherwise, the whole post would be dedicated to explaining this useless condition. But in any case, I was in a lot of pain because of this. I received help and a treatment option that worked wonders for me!! However, now it's starting to flare up again. What I've noticed in this regard is that when these pains come, my anxiety worsens. Often a day BEFORE the pain arrives. This got me thinking, as I do a lot these days. Why does it happen? The only thing I could come up with is that it goes back to primal instincts. So, I did some searching on the Internet, and yes, it's true that animals withdraw when they're sick. They've even discovered that ants do that now. It could be because they don't want to infect others, can't be bothered with the fuss when they're about to die, or some other reason I haven't thought of yet.
In my case, it's none of those. I believe I withdraw from the herd when I feel sickness creeping in because I'm a terrible herd animal. I'm not someone who easily trusts people. I'm not secure enough that the people around me have good intentions toward me. So, I withdraw to suffer in silence. Well, not exactly in silence. I complain loudly to Morten!
So, essentially, it's that I'm not very good at social cohesion. Not yet! I actually have plans to become good at it. For now, my herd is very small. It makes it easier to keep track of everyone. But I know several people who thrive when surrounded by a large group. If we're comparing this to animals as well, it must be because it provides a sense of security that many individuals are watching out for dangers. That's what I hope to learn. That there is strength in numbers. I don't need to sneak away and hide when things are tough or when I'm weak. I can seek strength and support from my herd. Even though some animals withdraw when they're sick, there are also things animals do to support the herd. Many mammals have been observed making selfless sacrifices or performing acts for the benefit of the herd, such as young ones caring for the smallest ones or males sacrificing their food for pregnant females.
A wolf pack in the Nordic region often consists of a family. There may be several generations, but there's a couple that stays together for life, leading the pack. The pack supports each other, and they have different roles. For example, the strongest one leads and shows the way. The females take care of the children, while the males hunt for food, and so on. So, we're not so far from animals. We find our place in the gang, adapt to others, and collaborate on the tasks we have. Except for those times when we don't trust our instincts and do what we THINK is right instead of what we FEEL is right.
Now, I'm going to start doing what I FEEL is right. Because if I just trust nature, it can make it easier to choose correctly. I have a safe herd; I don't need to hide my needs. My herd can help me when I'm scared or weak. I can help the herd by showing them my strengths so they know what they can get from me. For example, I'm really good at having an overview and being in control 😅
Trust your instincts and your herd, no matter how big or small it is.
Together, we're dynamite!
Translated by Kari Boisvert