Giraffe Matters

NVC uses the images of the jackal and giraffe as a fun way of representing parts of ourselves. The jackal is an animal that moves close to the ground, thereby its perception is limited. In jackal consciousness an individual’s perspective is limited by them using judgement, labels and blame. They use a thought based language of the head. The giraffe is the land animal with the largest heart. It is also the tallest, having a far reaching perspective. It can outrun its only known enemy the lion. Its saliva dissolves the thorns of the acacia tree and contains enzymes to help new growth. In giraffe consciousness an individual is in touch with their heart, using a language of feelings and needs. They have a far reaching perspective and are not afraid to ‘stick their necks out’ and seek to support others to grown as individuals. When they are wearing giraffe ears even the sharpest comments from others are digested in a nourishing way in being able to savour the feelings and needs they hear being shared underneath another’s words

Giraffe image by; Tamara Laporte illustrated for the book "Giraffe Juice" written by JP Allen.

In NVC we use the Jackal to symbolize the life alienating, domination language most of us were raised with. The jackal, as an animal, is low to the ground, a scavenger, competitive and vicious. A jackal as a person is one who approaches people (including themselves), places and things through the lens of a Right/Wrong, Good/Bad judgments. They speak a language that instills fear, anger, guilt and shame. It often inspires, painful obsessions and behaviors. The jackal sees everything as deserving either reward or punishment for themselves or others. Their language is demanding; “Do this.” “Don’t do that.” The jackal lives in their head judging, analyzing and blaming themselves and others.

from: Doro Kiley