Two Wolves September 6, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Mindfulness, Spirit & Ego.trackback
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.
“A terrible fight is going on inside me between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is dishonesty, anger, envy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, false pride, and egotism.
“The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, empathy.
kindness, benevolence, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
“This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about his grandfather’s words, and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”
~ Old Cherokee Legend
Related post: WP Daily Prompt ~ Regret/Turning Point
Spirit Lights The Way 
Love this!
Glad you enjoyed. This is one of my favorites.
Wise lesson!
Here’s to feeding the “right” wolf.
Oooo so true.
This is such a succinct expression of the choices we make about how to live on a day to day basis.
Good way to put it! Except that the baddy does seem to have a lot of opposites like inferiority and superiority. Can’t make up his mind is another fault? 🙂
Exactly right. Ego can never make up his mind without using an external barometer. When people complement Ego, he gets all puffed up. When they don’t, he becomes deflated. 😛
I feed my inner wolf with light from the full moon. That’s why I wear clothes that are two sizes too big.
A-ooh! We watched Hotel Transylvania last night ~ with all manner of monster cruising the lobby. Including werewolves and Dracula and Frankenstein. 😯
Sounds scary!
(not really)
😉
It did NOT give me nightmares. 😉
Oh…I love this story. I remember reading it some time ago as well..the white and the black wolf…but for some reason I kind of remember it a little different?!?
*Why* do I get the feeling that what I learned was that if you only feed the white wolf, the poor black wolf get hungry and angry, it attacks and causes a lot of grief within us…but when we pay attention to both, when we take care of both, then the black wolf doesn’t hurt anymore…he becomes placated and uses his “gifts” to help us.
Oooo…I remember reading it in the book Why do Good People do Bad Things by Debbie Ford!
Hmmm…oookay, maybe it’s just two different stories? LOL!
Debbie’s version sounds a bit different. Metaphors are a great learning tool, eh?
Hehe it is! Unless you’re like me and get it all confused 😛 But then again, it still teaches us something which is the whole point of it…so…yes it is!! 😀
Seems like you sorted it out . . . hey, you even remembered WHERE you read about the white and black wolves. Go you!
One of my most favorite Native American stories. Life is a daily practice of deciding which wolf to feed.
It is. We don’t decide just once . . . we must keep coming back to the task.
A salutary lesson, Nancy.
A gentle reminder from a wise grandfather to his cherished grandson.
There is a very similar passage in the Bible, concerning works of the flesh and gifts of the spirit. Check out Galatians: 5: 13-26
There are definite parallels between this metaphor and the dictates of Galations. I prefer this version ~ it seems more accessible.
One of my favorite stories about choosing the right path and attitude in life.
It’s easy to remember . . . and oh so true.
I have heard this before, Nancy, and it needs to be shared, and shared again! I’m glad you did. Isn’t it just the wisest truth! I was glad to read it again, my friend!
Thanks, Debra. I feel just the same about this little gem . . . worth a read and a re-read.
I like this – so true. Sometimes it seems doubtful, but I still root for good to win.
Thanks, Janna. I agree. I am holding out hope . . . and holding my breath. Time will tell.
That is wonderful!!!!
Glad you enjoyed, Linda. Here’s to feeding those qualities we want to see blossom.
loved it!!
It’s a wonderful metaphor. 😀
it IS 🙂
wow, what a rich punchline!
Isn’t it? Here’s to feed the “right wolf.” 😀