How to Therian Shift - Tutorial for Inducing Animal Sides

Some folks, who identify as an animal rather than a human, experience something called a shift. This is a moment in time when they feel and act more like an animal than a human. They might have a better sense of smell, faster movements, or more instinctual behaviors like barking or purring.

If you’re curious to know what your animal side has to offer, here’s a tutorial on how to connect with the more animalistic instincts you have! 

Step 1: Find a comfortable and safe place. This could be alone in a private room or somewhere quiet in nature. It’s best to practice this alone until you have a better understanding of your shifts. I find a seated position best.

Step 2: Relax and notice your body and your environment. Start your focus internally and listen to your breathing and heartbeat. Picture yourself in your mind, what do you see? Maybe you have paws, or talons, outstretched in front of you. Can you feel your ears flick from side to side? 

Step 3: Explore your environment freely. Allow yourself to be curious and act how your body wishes. Try smelling something new, even just the trim on your wall or a pile of dirt. Focus on the texture of something you haven’t before. 

Step 4: Play into it. Sometimes shifts need a bit of a kickstart to feel natural. When I first started shifting, purposely acting like an animal was one of the best ways to get them to happen. You could crawl or climb around like a cat, or find a stuffed animal to carry around like a dog. I enjoy practicing making different animal sounds.

Allowing yourself time to relax and explore is the best way to foster a natural shift. When you’re first beginning to shift you may not even notice when you change mindsets. My earlier experiences felt more like a heightened focus on play and lots of energy, and it wasn’t until a while later that the behaviors and thoughts I had were different enough to distinguish from my typical self.