Chapter 1: The Tale of Two Wolves

Have you come across the Cherokee narrative of the two wolves? The story unfolds with a grandfather imparting a significant lesson to his grandson. He explains that within each of us exists a struggle between two inner wolves.

He states, “My child, there exists a conflict within us all. One wolf embodies negativity, representing feelings such as anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, feelings of inferiority, deceit, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf symbolizes positivity, encompassing joy, peace, love, hope, tranquility, humility, kindness, generosity, empathy, truth, compassion, and faith.”

After pondering for a moment, the grandson inquires, “Which wolf prevails?” The grandfather responds, “The one you nurture.”

Upon first reading this tale, I, like many others, found it quite uplifting. The story conveys a clear and relatable message; we all experience a wide array of emotions daily, battling our own inner struggles. Recently, I began to question: Why can’t both wolves coexist peacefully?

The “dark” wolf, often depicted as the black one, appears to lead a troubled existence and may come across as unpleasant to those nearby. Conversely, the “light” wolf is portrayed as a celestial being. The narrative suggests that we must choose to nourish only one, which will ultimately influence our happiness.

Consider these reflections:

• Must we constantly engage in inner conflict? Are we destined for perpetual turmoil within ourselves?
• Life presents us with both good and bad days. Everyone faces challenges; some circumstances are beyond our control, which can leave us feeling less than ideal. Remember, it’s not a reflection of your character if the “dark” wolf prevails for a day.
• Suggesting that we should solely feed one wolf implies the other must be eradicated. How can we let a part of ourselves perish? Our past struggles shape who we are today; the lessons learned from adversity foster our growth. Eradicating the “bad” side means denying our true selves.
• Perfection is an unrealistic expectation; everyone falters. Should one mistake warrant a harsh sentence for ourselves or our loved ones? Instead, we can cultivate forgiveness rather than depriving ourselves or others of life.
• In truth, the “dark” wolf may not be evil; it might simply be having a rough day, similar to that grumpy neighbor who, despite their demeanor, poses no real threat. Sometimes, a friendly greeting can work wonders.
• Embrace every aspect of who you are internally. Acceptance is crucial. Avoid harsh self-judgment and extend compassion towards yourself.

Here's an engaging comic strip that illustrates this story beautifully:

The credit for this illustration goes to Zen Pencils. Thank you for taking the time to read this reflection.

For more insights, visit my blog at www.OneDudeListening.com, where I explore mental health and share various intriguing stories.