What is herding animal theory?
We are all herding animals which means that our prime interest will be in survival as a species and as a herd – the universal family of humankind. You, consequently, will be unconsciously driven by survivalist instincts and governed by the need to be a social animal. Everything you do, consequently, will be your inherent quest for survival of yourself and others.
As a social being you will instinctively need:
– to find a mate and, hopefully, to procreate
– to love and care for your children and/or your pets
– to make friends and to seek amusement
– to earn an income which will suffice for your needs
– to ensure your safety
– to build a home for shelter and to defend your territory
These tactics will ensure the continuance of the human species. Do you fall short of any of these aims? If you neglect or distort any given need, then trouble may be in store for you. Living beyond your means, taking too many risks or rejecting the company of others, for example, are merely warning signs.
As an individual you will instinctively need:
– to exercise regularly
– to take adequate rest
– to breathe fresh air
– to obtain for food and water
– to express your emotions
These tactics will ensure that each individual within the herd will remain healthy in order to make a positive contribution to the community. Do you fall short of any of these aims? If you neglect or distort any given need, then trouble may be in store for you. Over-indulging in junk food, alcohol or drugs, not taking enough exercise in the fresh air and denying your emotions, for example, are merely warning signs.
Who’s who in the herd?
The herd will require natural leaders in the event of danger and in the interests of survival of the herd. But also there will be a requirement for followers who will conform with others when necessary. You will need to recognise whether you are a leader or a follower and you must also be prepared to accept leadership in given circumstances or to relinquish your leadership inclinations when another person is more fitted to take on the managerial responsibility in order to ensure the survival of the herd.
If you are a leader
If you are a leader, you should ensure that you can shoulder responsibility and can take decisions which will be of benefit to others. This does not mean being over-bossy or dictatorial. Natural leaders are often, for example, teachers, entrepreneurs, managers, therapeutic guides, creative thinkers and those who excel in any given field.
If you are a follower
If you are a follower, you should endeavour to follow instructions in the interest of the herd’s survival because the collective populace will all working to a common purpose. This does not mean being a doormat, a mindless sheep, a people-pleaser, worrying what other people might think or, alternatively, rebelling against the herd or the leader of the pack. Natural followers are often, for example, employees, pupils and the vast majority of the world’s population. Followers, however, can be inclined to be too sociable sometimes and to burn the candle at both ends as a means of fleeing from isolation.
Work for yourself
If you have difficulty in coping with satisfying your own human needs or you find socialising a hardship, then please seek the assistance of a practitioner who can help you to address your innermost demons. Visit the “Find a Practitioner” page of the JMHT website (www.jmhypnotraining.co.uk) in order to help yourself naturally and effortlessly.
Jacquelyne Morison
Jacquelyne Morison Hypnotherapy Training