A Cherokee Lesson

A young boy approached his Grandfather, his heart brimming with anger towards another who had wronged him. The old Grandfather took the boy gently by the hand and began to speak.

Let me share a story with you, he said softly. There have been times in my life when I too have felt a deep hatred for those who have caused harm without remorse. But I have learned that hate only consumes the one who harbors it. It is like swallowing poison and hoping it will harm your enemy. I have struggled with these feelings many times.

It's as though there are two wolves inside me, the Grandfather continued. One wolf is kind and gentle. He lives in harmony with others and is not quick to take offense when none is intended. He fights only when it is right to do so, and in the right way. But the other wolf is filled with anger. The smallest thing will set him off, and he fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. His anger consumes him, and he cannot see beyond it. It is a futile anger, because it changes nothing. Living with these two wolves inside me can be difficult, as each vies for dominance over my spirit.

The boy looked at his Grandfather with earnest eyes and asked, which wolf will win, Grandfather?

The Grandfather smiled knowingly and replied, the one I choose to feed.