π¦ͺππWelcome to Mervember! πππ¦ͺ
Hi Merfolk or Mer-Therians of all kinds! I thought of this Idea and yes i know I'm very very early but I want this to reach as many Otherkins and Therians as possible.
Whether you're a mermaid, seal, whale, jellyfish, or any non-human being connected to the water, you are fully and enthusiastically included! Mervember is for all oceanic beingsβno exceptions.
November is (almost) here, and weβre officially starting Mervember (Merkin + November)! Itβs our special time to take a breath, reflect, and really appreciate the amazing non-human part of who we are! Whether youβve been a Therian for ages, are just curious about Otherkin, or are simply discovering your alterhuman side, this month is all about connecting with yourself and celebrating you!
I know that connecting with your Kintype or Theriotype looks different for everyone. That's why I've put together this "Merkin Appreciation Toolkit"βa menu of ideas for you to pick and choose from. Select one, try them all, or simply let them serve as inspiration! The most important rule is to find joy and authenticity in your practice.
I organized the activities into different categories to make browsing a bit easier.
Category A: Reflection and Mindfulness
Activity 1: The 5 Minute Journal - Dedicate just 5 minutes each day to write down how your Merkin self manifested, showed itself during the day. (Any shifts or urges?)
ΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ
Activity 2: Shadow Reflection - Consider the "wilder" or less socially acceptable traits of your Kintype/Theriotype. How are they affecting your life if they do? Write about it!
ΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ
Activity 3: Mindful consumption "ritual" - Introduce a small, meaningful ritual; drink your morning/afternoon coffee or tea while listening to the sounds of your Kintype's habitat, fully immersing yourself for five minutes (or longer if you wish)
ΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§ΛΛΒ°ππΌβπ¦ͺβΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π 𫧠ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ
Acitvity 4: "What do I need?" - Make a list of three things your Kintype/Theriotype currently needs to feel more comfortable, validated or connected?.
Category B: Gear and Expression
Activity 1: DIY subtle gear - Craft something small and discreet that symbolizes your Kintype/Theriotype. (Shell bracelet? Ocean colored keychain for that super nice backpack??)
βοΈπ ΰ½ΌβΌππΌ β.Λ πβ.ΛΒ°β§π«§β.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΒ°ββ.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΌΛｑ°๠π ββΉπ*ΰ©β©β§βΛπ
Activity 2: Kintype Cuisine - Cook, bake or buy something that connects you to your Kintype/Theriotype. (Of course only if it is safe for you and your body!)
βοΈπ ΰ½ΌβΌππΌ β.Λ πβ.ΛΒ°β§π«§β.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΒ°ββ.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΌΛｑ°๠π ββΉπ*ΰ©β©β§βΛπ
Activity 3: The "Essence Outfits" - Choose one day in Mervember to wear clothes whose colors, textures or patterns subtly evoke the feeling or look of your non-human self.
βοΈπ ΰ½ΌβΌππΌ β.Λ πβ.ΛΒ°β§π«§β.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΒ°ββ.ΰ³ΰΏ*:ο½₯πΌΛｑ°๠π ββΉπ*ΰ©β©β§βΛπ
Activity 4: Habitat Soundtrack - Create a 15-minute playlist of music or ambient sounds that perfectly captures the feeling and essence of your Kintype/Theriotype.
Category C: The External & Community-Oriented
Activity 1: Habitat connection trip - If possible, visit a local spot that mimics your kintype's natural enviroment (park, forest,pool,lake...) or collect things which represent your habitat! (Shells, Wood, Crystals, Plants...)
π π π π ..Β° ΛΒ°,π¦πΌβπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ 𫧠οΉποΉ ο½‘π¦ΉΒ°β§~ .Β° ｑπ¦ΉΛ πΌ ｑπ¦ΉΒ° ｑ. ~π¬
Activity 2: Community Share - Share one small fact, a piece of art, or a photo related to your Kintype/Theriotype using the hashtag #mervember.
π π π π ..Β° ΛΒ°,π¦πΌβπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ 𫧠οΉποΉ ο½‘π¦ΉΒ°β§~ .Β° ｑπ¦ΉΛ πΌ ｑπ¦ΉΒ° ｑ. ~π¬
Activity 3: Kintype knowledge deep dive - Research an obscure, positive or little known fact about your specific species or mythical being and share your favourite findings.
π π π π ..Β° ΛΒ°,π¦πΌβπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ 𫧠οΉποΉ ο½‘π¦ΉΒ°β§~ .Β° ｑπ¦ΉΛ πΌ ｑπ¦ΉΒ° ｑ. ~π¬
Activity 4: Curated resource list - Compile a short list of your favourite online resourches (blogs, articles, videos) that have helped you on your Otherkin/Therian journey.
Category D: Advocacy & Education
For those looking to turn their deep connection into real-world action and understanding.
Activity 1: Habitat Advocacy check - Choose an animal or enviromental protection project related to your kintype or to your kintype's enviroment. Dedicate 30 minutes to reading about their mission, sign a petition or donate if you are able.
π’Φ΄ΰ»Φ΄ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π
Activity 2: "The future is wild" - Read up on deep-science topics that touch on your Kintype. As example: Potential life on ocean planets, paleontology, or the (theoretical) biology of (mythical) creatures/your kintype.
π’Φ΄ΰ»Φ΄ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π
Acitivity 3: Eco-friendly - Review your daily consumption habits. (Use of plastic, food choices, Overconsumption, Fast fashion ...) Make a small manageable pledge to reduce your personal impact on your Kintype's enviroment.
π’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»ππ¦ΛΛπ’Φ΄β§Λ.βπ¦ͺβΰΎΰ½²ΰΎΰ½²ΰ¨ΰ§ . ΒΊ π«§βΉβ§ ଳ β§βΛ β
ΛΛπ’Φ΄Φ΄ΰ»π
Activity 4: Empty the tanksβIf you are emotionally stable enough, give the documentaries about SeaWorld and Tilikum (Blackfish) a look. Empty the Tanks is a campaign whose goal is to end the captivity of dolphins and whales while promoting ocean health.
You want to help without donating? Take a look here which is from Empty The Tanks how you can help.
The most important thing is to keep the tanks empty.
I'd love to see what you choose! Use the hashtag #Mervember or #MerkinAppreciation when sharing your acitivity, creation or reflection. Let's make this a month of positive, empowering connection for the community.
