Image from Earth Magic Oracle Cards deck by Steven Farmer.
I am always a huge fan of great story's that teach through wonderful imagery and vivid words. At times, I will come across a story that I think many of you will enjoy. Other times, I recall a story I had heard from someone else that struck me at just the right time and had just the right message that I needed. Today is one of those days. I love this story particular story, Two Wolves, and another version of it that comes from the beautiful Cherokee lore and tradition. Enjoy!
Cherokee Legend--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."
******Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within" **********
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story."
"I too, at time, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
Image from Earth Magic Oracle Cards deck by Steven Farmer.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." Grandfather continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf--Ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?" The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."
What a great reminder to us all...
Joanna
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