Do your research, they say. But what does it mean for a therian?

One thing I really dislike about the therian community are the "gatekeepers". These are the people who think that they have some kind of a special authority to tell everyone how to live their lives and set imaginary standards that we must reach in order to call ourselves a therian.

Their catch phrase is "do your research first".  What does that even mean? You may ask. So did I in the beginning of my journey. Here, I will try to outline a few ideas that I hope may help others struggling to wrap their head around the subject.

Personal Development

When I think about doing research, I reflect on past experiences, noting behavior and learning from various resources. It feels like piecing together a puzzle from different moments in my life and adding new pieces from books, articles, or documentaries. It’s about understanding myself better by looking at how I’ve felt and acted over the years and seeing if those patterns match what I read about therianthropy or other relevant topics. I think if you take care of yourself and tune it with your inner identity, then relying on personal experience alone is more than enough to grow. Sometimes, the raw, unfiltered feelings I have about my therian identity seem more genuine and untainted by external influences. It’s about trusting my gut and my emotions. Personal experience can be a powerful guide, as it’s rooted in my direct, lived reality. This approach feels more intuitive and authentic, helping me stay true to myself without getting lost in endless information.

Explore a Wide Range of Loosely Connecting Topics

Research can be a deep dive into the vast ocean of information available. It’s exciting and sometimes overwhelming. For instance, when I stumble upon a new book about animal behavior or mythology, I can spend hours immersing myself in it. These moments of learning help me make sense of my own experiences. They provide a framework that supports or challenges my self-understanding. It’s a dynamic process where I continuously update my knowledge and adjust my perspective. Occasionally, I find myself studying animal behavior and mythology. This exploration is not just academic; it’s personal. Observing animals and reading about their behaviors can be like looking into a mirror, reflecting aspects of myself that I might not have recognized. Mythology, on the other hand, offers rich narratives that can parallel my own experiences. These stories provide context and meaning, making my journey feel part of a larger, timeless narrative.

However, it’s essential to be aware of confirmation bias. Diving too deep into research can sometimes lead me to cherry-pick information that only confirms what I already believe, rather than challenging me to grow. It’s a tricky balance to maintain—staying open to new insights while not getting so lost in the data that I lose sight of my authentic self. Being mindful of this bias helps keep my exploration honest and grounded.

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Take Notes

Organizing my thoughts is another crucial aspect of doing research. It’s like journaling my experiences and reflections, helping me see patterns and connections I might have missed otherwise. This methodical approach allows me to dissect my feelings and experiences logically. I can ask myself why I felt a certain way in a specific situation or why certain behaviors resonate with me. It’s a form of self-inquiry that brings clarity and deeper understanding.

Critiquing the concept of research itself is also part of my journey. Sometimes, I question whether all this external input is necessary or helpful. Can it cloud my self-understanding instead of clarifying it? There’s a delicate line between enriching my knowledge and overcomplicating my identity with too much information. This critical perspective helps me stay true to the core of who I am without being swayed by every new piece of data I encounter.

Combining internal feelings with external research is, for me, the most balanced approach. My internal experiences are the foundation of my identity, but external research adds layers of understanding and context. It’s like building a house where my feelings are the structure, and the research is the decor and details that make it uniquely mine. This combination allows for a richer, more nuanced understanding of my therian identity.

Finally, I often find that my initial feelings guide my research. It’s like having an internal compass that points me toward the information I need. These instincts are usually right, leading me to resources that confirm and deepen my understanding. Following my gut and then backing it up with solid research creates a strong, validated sense of self. It’s a journey of self-discovery that feels both personal and connected to a broader knowledge base.

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