(Therian) Perception Shift

A **Perception shift (pe-shift)** occurs when a Therian experiences a change in one or multiple aspects of perception; either external (the outside world) or internal (self image). The therian perceives things in a way which is more associated with their theriotype and this perception occurs (at least initially) on a subconscious level. This shift is not limited to just a spiritual or a psychological connection.

This is a phenomenon which refers to the experience of perceiving the world or oneself in a non-human manner. It may be sudden and jarring. It can have a derealization-like effect, comparable to a déjà vu. This often results in a sudden realization of being human and/or living a human life, beyond expectation, and can cause confusion.

Perception shifts are distinct from mental shifts in that there is no change in mindset from humanside to animalside where the therianthrope thinks (and behaves) more instinctively. Instead perception shifts are often emotionally detached, where one often perceives themselves as suddenly out of place with human reality somehow. Whether that be physical appearance, time, place, etc. There is also an aspect of perceiving human things one normally knows about or finds normal differently by (partially) forgetting said human knowledge, having a feeling of unfamiliarity to it, or finding it strange, for the duration of the shift.

### Examples

Examples of perception shifts:

* Internal: Expecting to look like one's theriotype, but then being shocked to find they look human when seeing themselves in the mirror.
* Internal: Expecting to be able to use the abilities of one's theriotype, and then finding themselves limited to their human body.
* External: Feeling an unfamiliarity to human items, potentially forgetting its purpose. (Example: Money, cutlery, technical devices, etc.)
* External: Suddenly feeling confused about human customs that does not align with your theriotype. (Example: using transportation devices, having to cook food, listening to music, etc.)

### Relation to other therianthropic occurrences

The perception shift may often go hand in hand, or cause other types of therianthropic occurrences and shifts. This may include, but is not limited to: mental shifts, sensory shifts and species dysphoria. So despite it being a shift on its own, it may also trigger other therianthropic occurrences for the therian. Perception shifts tend not to last long because it transitions in another occurrence/shift, but may also last longer when feeling a disconnect from one's human-self for a longer time (therefore it's still possible to be experienced at all times).

## Term Origin

The perception shift was first brought to light by user Li-Lan on the Therian Guide Forums. She separated the perception shift from what most would see as (a start of) a mental shift, because a perception shift does not need to be related to the mindset of one's theriotype (example: most animals do not have a self-image, yet one can perceive their self-image differently in a perception shift). Since, the term has gotten a lot of positive feedback and was claimed to be experienced by a lot of therians. Thorn from YouTube Channel Therian Territory added for the perception shift to not just be external experience (the outside world), but also internal (self-image). They then volunteered to make a video about the topic to spread the word about the term, called: "NEW THERIAN TERM - Perception Shift | Therianthropy".