Monday, July 5, 2010

Grandfather Tells: (The Wolves Within)

A Cherokee Wisdom Story:

I first heard this story from Sydney Solis from StoryTime Yoga. I love its message and it applies so perfectly to some recent events so that is why it is July's Story of the month:


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 times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

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."

He 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 no offense was intended. he is joy, serenity, compassion, humility, benevolence, and truth."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 is envy, greed, guilt, resentment, self pity, lies and false pride.  He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
"The same fight is going on inside you as well and inside every other person." He added.

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 will win, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."




Feed the Peaceful wolf from day to day and leave the angry wolf to starve. That is my intention today & every day for each one of us.





*What is your favorite legend or Wisdom Story? Please feel free to post it in the comment box below!







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