The Battle Within

One evening, an elderly Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside each of us.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It 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 wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one that you feed.”

By taking a brief pause, we can make conscious choices to nurture the good wolf within us. Here’s how we can apply this in our relationships, careers, and daily lives.

In our relationships, the wolves of resentment, jealousy, and anger can erode trust and happiness. We can choose to feed the good wolf, fostering stronger and more positive connections through mindful communication. Before responding in a heated moment, step back, pause and breathe to calm down and think. This can help you respond with empathy and kindness instead of anger or frustration.

Take a minute each day to do a small act of kindness for strangers – hold the door, smile and nod, wave to the overheated or freezing traffic guard. And of course, for our family, like having hot coffee ready for your spouse. These gestures, however small, feed the good wolf and strengthen relational bonds.

In the workplace, the wolves of stress, ego, and competition often dominate. By taking breaks, we can promote a healthier and more productive environment. Use a minute to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your job. This can shift your mindset from stress and dissatisfaction to appreciation and motivation. Choose to invest a minute or two in giving positive feedback or support to a colleague. This fosters a culture of teamwork and mutual respect.

In our daily lives, the constant noise and distractions can make it hard to feed the right wolf. Start or end your day with a brief gratitude practice. A friend of mine shared that he’s been doing daily gratitude walks – rain, snow or shine and it’s transformed his mindset. Acknowledging the good things in your life will enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Choose mindful moments throughout your day. Whether it's enjoying a quiet moment, listening to your favorite song, or simply breathing deeply, these pauses nourish the good wolf of peace and serenity.

The story of the two wolves reminds us that the battle within is constant. By integrating these purposeful breaks into our daily routines, we can make deliberate choices to feed the wolf of joy, peace, and compassion, leading to more fulfilling relationships, successful careers, and a balanced life.