The Tale of Two Wolves

I often coach people to know that it is our point of view or perception of the world through which we create the experience of our world.

If your perception or focus is filtered through a lens of fear, your amygdala, the ancient part of your brain, will fire up with thoughts of survival, panic and urgency.  As the fight or flight response kicks in the ability for healing, creativity, and for logical decision-making and long-term planning are immediately shut down.  The realm of infinite possibilities becomes limited to the urgent needs of the body’s basic instinct to survive… right now!

Through the pandemic, the levels of fear, anxiety and depression are at a record high and I was reminded of a beautifully simple yet powerful “Tale of the Two Wolves”.

The conversation is a grandfather teaching a life lesson to his grandson.

“I have a fight going on in me,” the old man said.

“It’s taking place 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.”

“The other embodies positive emotions. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. Both wolves are fighting to the death. The same fight is going on inside you and every other person, too.”

The grandson took a moment to reflect on this and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”

The grandfather gave a simple reply. “The one you feed.”

oh so good, right?  When we are faced with a decision to stretch ourselves and step into greater possibility in our lives, the voice of fear and self-doubt likely pipe up.  I love this metaphor that so simply allows us to see that wolf and to choose in that moment to feed the wolf of possibility and hope.  Which will you choose today?

I found this beautiful artwork around it. Can can purchase it at the Link here

 

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