In nonviolent communication practice, two animals are used to demonstrate the two ends of the emotional spectrum. Giraffe represents a compassionate, centered, and connected communication state, while jackal represents a judgmental, habitual, and disconnected state in which people openly blame and lash out.
Everyone wants to be the giraffe, but a few understand that jackaling (venting negative emotions and embracing our disconnected state in a private setting) is often a step toward the compassionate, centered giraffe.
It's not either or, but one leads to the other.
