Monkey See, Monkey do.

Us humans, too, we see and do. But how are humans different? We can notice and laugh about it. We can feel vulnerable. We have an innate desire to better ourselves and what we see.

Noticing is the first step to change and growth. Observing what's happening, wanting to change, and looking at what's possible—it's all part of human evolution towards greatness.

Have you ever seen monkeys at the zoo, doing their thing without shame or secrecy, despite being observed? It's entertaining and funny to us how they exhibit the same traits we're shy about, openly.

Vulnerability can be our greatest resistance and our greatest asset (see Brené Brown's work on the power of vulnerability).

Yes, we learn from others and imitate, but as humans, we do much more. We create, recreate, share, give, care, love, and desire to better ourselves and others.

The next time you visit the zoo, find your animal and draw strength from the animal within. Notice how you're the same and different.

The idea of finding a spirit animal for inspiration is ancient wisdom הוי עז כנמר, וקל כנשר, ורץ כצבי, וגיבור כארי, But the Mishna completes this idea by directing us to use this to strive towards our highest human self.