The Owl and The Chimp

… By Jo Camacho

Heyllo!!

How’d your week go? Shey you’re fine? I hope you found time to rest during the week?

So today I thought to share with us, this poem by Jo Camacho, who also happens to be a psychotherapist. I find the poem really stimulating and thought provoking because it exquisitely communicates the internal battle many of us face when the more primitive part of our brain (the chimp brain) takes control. The wise owl within all of us is seen here fighting with the chimp who seems determined to make the situation worse, despite its fears of the situation worsening. Enjoy!

The Owl and The Chimp

The owl and the chimpanzee went to sea
In a beautiful boat called The Mind
The owl was sensible, clever and smart
The chimp was a little behind
The owl made decisions, based on fact
And knew where to steer its ship
The chimp reacted a little too fast
And often the boat would tip
The waves would come and crash aboard
The chimp would start to cry
Large tears would roll right down his face
Afraid that he would die
The chimp and the owl would wrestle at night
When the world was quiet and still
The chimp would jump up and rock the boat
And the boat would start to fill
Then the owl stepped in and grabbed a pail
And started to empty it out
And the chimp would start to get quite cross
And would often scream and shout
The battle continued night after night
Until the chimp started to see
That if it let the owl take control
A more peaceful night it would be

A major lesson from the poem: There’s nothing wrong with experiencing Internal conflict. It is normal and human. If only we can learn to control our primitive, scared brain more often and listen to our inner owl, we’ll enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling sojourn here on earth.

Don’t forget to rest this weekend. Y’hear? I’m rooting for you big time🤎

With Warmth,

‘Dedoyin