Ok, if you are human, I know what is physically inside you thanks to a great anatomy teacher. I’m speaking more about the intangibles – your will, your ‘heart’, what drives you. Because, even though I cannot tell where “it” resides, I know “it” is in you just as “it” is in me.
There is a great, simple story about two wolves that speaks directly to this idea.
The Story of the Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
The Lesson
I’ve loved this story ever since I heard it around a campfire many, many years ago. I share it from time to time on our Friday Night Campfires for the kids (and adults!) because it boils things down to one basic choice: you get out what you put in.
So, the main question is, which wolf are you feeding?
Most of us run around with our conscious minds switched off to this aspect of our lives. We sit in front a screen, consume the same media, read the same magazines, swap the same gossip, eat similar food.
Our Habits Matter
These are habits – mostly unconscious routines in which we engage daily. Have you ever stopped to think which wolf these habits are feeding?
I know some people whose daily routines support nothing but good things in their lives: they practice gratitude, are kind to everyone around them, show discipline in the big and little things in their lives, and laugh and give a lot. These people are fun to be around. I always leave feeling uplifted and hopeful.
I also know people who, in most cases, choose a different path. They spread hurtful gossip, act only in their self-interest, and are rude or unkind towards those around them – unless that person has a lot more money than themselves. I don’t spend very much time with this group of people. They aren’t much fun to be around for long periods of time. The wolf their actions and behaviors feed is eating them and it’s sad to see.
Thankfully, we get to choose which wolf we feed. All we need to do is be awake to our actions – what we read, how we react, to whom we give our time and trust. This weekend, take a few moments to think about which wolf you are feeding. Both are hungry.
Have a great week!
