(Gems from this time ....)
THE TWO WOLVES
Negative thinking is normal and sometimes
it’s even helpful. However, if this way of thinking becomes incessant, it can
lead to depression and self-destructive behaviour like addictions, derailing
you from what your values and what you want most in life. Negative thinking
saps your energy and erodes your self-confidence.
Two Wolves is a Cherokee Indian legend and
illustrates the most important battle of our lives – the one between the
thoughts that are consistent with your chosen values and the thoughts that lead
you away from the man you wish to be. Here’s how the story goes:
A Cherokee elder 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.”
Some of your thoughts can be your own
worst enemy. That is, if you let them. Think about how you may be “feeding”
your negative thoughts by allowing them to rule your mind.
Next time you have a negative thought,
catch it and ask yourself, “What is this thought doing for me?” You will find
that the answer is that all they are doing is disempowering you. You can
immediately feel more empowered by focusing on your values, reflecting on the
big picture and cultivating the practice of gratitude.
Which wolf are you feeding? Remember, you
always have a choice...
