Zebra Monster and the Authentic self

What is the real self? What is the false self? I have been doing alot of thinking about these selves. Who are we anyway? I talk alot about the soul part of us as the real authentic self.The soul part means that which travels with us as we reincarnate over and over again How many of us can consciously access that part of us on a regular basis. Animals live the authentic self and it is not easy for them.

We are always talking about how honest and open our pets are and how we wish we could be more like them. I wonder sometimes if that is true. They are so loyal to us sometimes it is hard to watch. We can yell at them, feed them their food late, forget to pet them and yet they are always ready to forgive us. How many of us as humans are able to keep showing up for others without consistent acknowledgement that we are doing a good job.

Sometimes, we can get closer to this authenticity by expressing gratitude but then we slip slide into the false self. False self is that part of us that yells at us. you are not good enough, you will never be good enough so don't even try to be better. You are a loser. As you can tell, I have quite a long lasting relationship with this side. Sometimes, I ask friends or clients , what is it that is worthwhile about them and they cannot remember one thing. The self critic is that strong it makes us forget all the good things about ourselves.

I just finished reading the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, By Garth Stein. It is a great read and written from the point of view of Enzo, the dog. What a fabulous and literate dog he was. He has to come to terms with an evil glinty eyed stuffed Zebra that belonged to his human 5 year old sister. In the beginning, he felt that the zebra was his enemy and causing him to be "el destructo" but in time, he realizes that the zebra is his critical side and it is inside of him. Enzo is horrified by the realization and is finally able to acheive some balance for himself. What if our false self is the zebra monster and the authentic self is the realization that it is a part of us and can be worked with. Thank you Zebra Monster.