Recently I had a surprising exchange which reminded me of this story I had heard a long time ago.  Then again yesterday, for completely differing reasons, I had the opportunity to retell the story.  I thought I’d share it for as one of my teachers says, “…if three or more people…”.  The Cherokee Elder says in the story we all can use this message in some way – internally, how we are in relationship to ourselves – externally in how we walk in the world or perceive it.  Or for the myriad of reasons I cannot possibly know.

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.”

Always, there is more work for me to do personally to wholly embrace myself, to understand and allow with grace (hopefully) whatever another’s belief is in their walk through life.  This story is a beautiful reminder for me to continue on my path and to deepen.

In whatever way you hunger, may this story serve you well.                    Blessings…

Aho Mitakuye Oyasin