TWO WOLVES

Given the emotional and spiritual struggles of our times, I thought this Cherokee folk tale is worth sharing. Ancient and eternal…the struggle in all of us to be compassionate to ourselves and others or to live in the darkness of perpetual anger.  We always have a choice in how we see the world, see ourselves, even though, at times, it feels as if “Our Truth” is the only one. It never is. Choice…a powerful and humbling idea.  You can either be a victim of your beliefs, your world view, or you can challenge it. It’s up to you.

                                                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.”

A Cherokee Story