TAG | Cherokee teaching
In my travels on the internet, I came across a copy of the famous Cherokee story about the two wolves. It’s always been a favorite of mine, and this version was particularly well told. You may have seen this before, but, please take a moment and read it again.
Two Wolves: A Cherokee Teaching
An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life… He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf is evil — he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego. The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”
They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied: “The one you feed”.
Now, think back on the last 24 hours and all your thoughts, feelings, activities, and interactions. How did your “evil wolf” show up? How much was fear running the show? What could you have done differently? Where did your “good wolf” come in? What was joyful about your day?
Once you are aware of your own two wolves, you can pay attention to which one you are feeding as you go about your day. You can notice when your energy feels expanded and when it feels constricted. You can distinguish between feeling powerful and feeling powerless. You can tell when your heart is open and when it is closed. You can make more conscious choices on who you want to be.
Continue to notice the fight between your wolves as you go through the next week. Be aware of the choices you make and the impact on your life. This seemingly simple life lesson may inspire profound change.
To your best self,
Coach Cecily
