[SoupDragon]

I was thinking about lambs and sheep this morning - stick with this, it does become relevant.......................I think

When I see a sheep or lamb, at market, in the field etc.. they have a look in their eye of terror (think lamb chops and liver and I csan understand their concern). Their whole being seems to be full of tension, ready to flee.

However lambs / sheep that are orphaned and raised by humans, to me look so different. Their eye is more trusting, they are more relaxed, they seem to "get" us humans.

So I am now wondering if there is a critical point in life for humans to learn trust and if that doesn't happen, there is no chance of ever being different - (maybe this is Bowlby attachement theory here?)

Yes we can gain insight into why it may be difficult to trust and understand ourselves better, but does that wanting to flee ever go away, if trust hasn't been learned / experienced early on in life as babies?

Is it a fruitless task with T's to try and change?

There are rescue animals who were abused by their prior owners and which, with the right new owner, recover nicely. Granted, some do not and will trust only their new owner and not anyone else. Still, that is some progress.

I guess it is similar with humans. If you were abused as a child then you may always be nervous and untrusting with strangers. But, hopefully, you have made some friends and have learned to trust them to the extent that is possible. It's a slower process and a disadvantage for sure. It requires giving people who you don't know well the benefit of the doubt until you learn if they are trustworthy.

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by SoupDragon

Yes we can gain insight into why it may be difficult to trust and understand ourselves better, but does that wanting to flee ever go away, if trust hasn't been learned / experienced early on in life as babies? Is it a fruitless task with T's to try and change?

This is why psychotherapy is called the r/s that changes. it's not the insights or information. I "changed" a cat I was sitting who got sick while the owner was away and I had to take him to vet for emergency care. The cat was a rescue and had been very stand-offish. But after this 2nd "rescue" it became more friendly.

I think if you can stop reinforcing the old no-trust pathways, your brain might stand a chance.

[Odee]

Well, unlike humans, sheep can't identify their behavior and how it makes them feel so that they could consciously attempt to change it. Sheep are flighty herd animals that don't necessarily cooperate with each other the way humans do.

[SoupDragon]

Originally Posted by Odee

Well, unlike humans, sheep can't identify their behavior and how it makes them feel so that they could consciously attempt to change it. Sheep are flighty herd animals that don't necessarily cooperate with each other the way humans do.

I agree, but can we ever tap into that part of our mind where this flight thing is stored. Yes we an identify behaviour and learn to "act" differently - but is that all it is - "acting" differently. does that sense within us that fears, stay there with us?