The Story of the Two Wolves, which one do you feed?

Before the use of symbols or even written word, storytelling was how our ancestors passed down important information onto their children. This story is one that has been told many ways but this version is the one I prefer. The story lays out a battle is happening inside us all, a battle that will be won by the side which is given the most attention. We've all seen the picture of an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, that was probably the version you received growing up in the modern CULTure, especially in America.

The version the natives used was of two wolves that live within man, one light and one dark. The reason I like this version better is it focuses more on acceptance of what is and how to deal with it rather than resisting what is and having to deal with the consequences of that. Instead of trying to conquer the devil inside us which I feel only makes it stronger, we should cultivate compassion for the angel inside which will lead to more understanding.

Don't get me wrong we have a need for both wolves that's why they are there, we just need to be mindful how these two aspects of ourselves manifest in our lives and that has to do with how we treat ourselves ultimately. It kind of goes with the saying focus on what you want, not on what you don't. Anyway here is the story, as I heard it before.

The Story of Two Wolves

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life:

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

”It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil–he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you–and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

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May we all find what we are looking for - theseeker