The Effect of Nourishing the ‘Positive Wolf’ on Changing Lives

The elder listened attentively, his gaze thoughtful and gentle. Then he nodded and shared:

“I too have experienced great anger towards those who have wronged me or taken what wasn’t theirs. Yet, anger erodes the spirit like fire consumes dry grass. It encompasses you if you are not cautious.”

He paused, then continued, “It’s like having two wolves fighting inside me. One brims with anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. This is the wicked wolf. He lashes out, trusts no one, and isolates himself from the world.”

Nothing is more compelling than the power of choice. You can choose good over evil and right over wrong. Choose right! ~ DeWayne Owens

The boy leaned in closer, utterly engrossed.

“However,” his grandfather went on, “the other wolf is distinctly different. He embodies joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, generosity, empathy, truth, compassion, and faith. This is the virtuous wolf. Although he too is acquainted with anger, he opts for a different course.

The boy paused in contemplation before posing the question that had formed in his mind.

“Grandfather…which wolf triumphs?”

The wise elder beamed and answered, “The response is straightforward, my boy — the victorious one is the one you nurture.”

This simple yet insightful narrative sheds light on a universal truth: each of us harbors both wolves within. The wolves embody our internal conversations, emotions, and responses to others.

In any moment, our thoughts, actions, and decisions either nurture the good wolf or empower the bad wolf. It is not about denying one entirely to embrace the other wholly, but about becoming consciously aware of who we are nurturing through our behavior, focus, and reactions to life’s trials.

Like the Cherokee boy, we all encounter instances of emotional turmoil, conflict, and disappointment. It is all too easy to feed the bad wolf without even realizing it — through holding onto grudges, speaking harshly to ourselves, or allowing fear and resentment to take root. Yet, we also possess the power to pause, reflect, and choose love, kindness, and understanding instead.

Truth always prevails. Both divine and devil are two sides of the same coin… It is for us to make a conscious choice, whether we want to be devil or divine. Let us choose good over evil ~ Vishwas Chavan

Ways to Nourish Your ‘Good Wolf’

So, how can we intentionally nurture our inner good wolf each day? Here are some straightforward practices that may tip the scales in your favor.

MORNING HABITS

How you commence your morning often sets the stage for the remainder of your day. If your initial actions involve consuming negative news or checking your phone for stress-inducing messages, you’re instantly feeding the bad wolf.

Instead, consider beginning the day with something uplifting — a moment of gratitude, a brief meditation or prayer, listening to your favorite music, or simply stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. While staying informed is important, there’s no harm in postponing exposure to distressing news until you’ve fortified yourself with some positivity and calm.

CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS

Becoming more mindful isn’t merely a fleeting trend — it’s a deeply rooted spiritual and psychological practice that helps us engage more fully and happily in our lives.

Mindfulness means being fully present and involved in the moment at hand, without judgment. It entails being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and environment with curiosity and acceptance. When we acknowledge our thoughts and feelings without critique, we empower ourselves to select which ones to nurture and which to release.

To develop mindfulness, you might try these simple techniques:

Breathwork: Begin by simply focusing on your breathing — notice the sensation of air filling and leaving your body.

Meditation practice: Dedicate a few minutes each day to sit quietly and observe your thoughts without reacting to them.

Engage your senses: Observe what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in your surroundings.

Be present: Whether you are eating, walking, or washing dishes, fully immerse yourself in even the simplest daily activities.

Regular practice: Consistency is crucial for making mindfulness a habit.

Mindfulness teaches us to recognize the stirrings of the bad wolf — jealousy, irritability, impatience — without acting on them. It’s in those quiet, intentional pauses that we nurture the good wolf instead, opting for compassion, understanding, or simply stillness over reactivity.

There can be good without evil, but no evil without good…Evil is a parasite. It exists only because good is present for it to taint and confuse ~ C. S. Lewis

SHADOW WORK

It is crucial to recognize the “bad wolf” within without empowering it. It may appear that the simplest route to peace is to ignore or suppress the bad wolf, but repression only gives power to the shadows in us. What we resist persists. Overlooking aspects of ourselves that feel anger, fear, or sadness does not eliminate them. In fact, it often causes them to manifest in harmful or unconscious ways.

Shadow work finds its roots in the theories of distinguished psychologist Carl Jung. It is an inner healing technique where we explore and integrate the hidden or repressed facets of our personalities — referred to as “the shadow.” Shadow work entails acknowledging the “bad wolf” (your darker traits, such as anger or jealousy) without allowing it to dominate your actions. Instead, you observe it with compassion and strive for balance and self-awareness.

By recognizing our shadow (the bad wolf) and listening to its messages, we actually neutralize its power. Frequently, these negative feelings originate from old wounds, unmet needs, or unresolved issues from our past. Recognizing their presence allows for healing. Shadow work is the courageous act of confronting our darker emotions, not to be overwhelmed by them, but to incorporate and transform them.

KINDNESS & SERVICE

One of the most potent means to nourish our good wolf is through acts of kindness and generosity. Whether it’s lending a listening ear to a friend, offering a sincere compliment, or performing a spontaneous act of kindness for a stranger, these small choices contribute to a life filled with integrity and love.

When we uplift others, we ourselves are uplifted. We create waves of positive energy that extend far beyond the moment. The good wolf thrives on compassion, kindness, and tolerance — not merely for others, but also for ourselves.

The ongoing struggle between light and shadow is not something we resolve conclusively. Nurturing our good wolf is a daily choice and a challenge. With every thought we harbor, every word we utter, and every action we perform, we must decide which wolf to nourish.

There will be moments when the bad wolf growls louder than usual. That is perfectly normal. We are human. Nevertheless, we must remember that even in those times, we are not powerless. We can pause, breathe, and make a new choice. We can choose to foster love instead of fear, patience instead of frustration, faith instead of doubt.

And when you next feel inundated by negative emotions, remember: you hold the bowl. You hold the choice. You create your own reality.

Which wolf will you nourish today?

The Effect of Nourishing the ‘Good Wolf’ on Transforming Lives

In the Cherokee tale, a grandfather tells his grandson of the internal battle occurring within each individual. He explains that two wolves are at war within us all – one embodies evil, overflowing with anger, envy, greed, and arrogance. The other embodies goodness, filled with love, kindness, empathy, and compassion. The grandson inquires, “Which wolf prevails?” The grandfather replies, “The one you nourish.”

This straightforward yet significant tale imparts a valuable lesson for us all. It emphasizes the importance of fostering our positive traits and nurturing the ‘good wolf’ within ourselves. When we intentionally choose to focus on kindness, love, and compassion, we can effect change not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.

Nurturing the ‘good wolf’ surpasses metaphorical implications; it bears a real effect on our mental, emotional, and physical health. As we cultivate positive emotions and actions, we undergo a transformation in our mindset, leading to a more rewarding and purposeful life.

One of the most notable benefits of feeding the ‘good wolf’ is its impact on our mental well-being. Numerous studies indicate that practicing kindness and compassion can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Acts of kindness stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that fosters feelings of happiness and well-being. Engaging in acts of kindness, whether grand or minor, not only uplifts others but also enhances our mental health.

Moreover, nurturing the ‘good wolf’ profoundly influences our relationships. When we treat others with empathy and compassion, we create a secure and nurturing environment for them to flourish. It fosters deeper connections, enhances trust, and fosters understanding. By cultivating positive relationships, we not only elevate our well-being but also contribute to the well-being of those around us.

Additionally, nurturing the ‘good wolf’ can shift our outlook on life. By focusing on gratitude and positivity, we adopt a more hopeful perspective. We become more resilient in confronting challenges and setbacks, discovering opportunities for growth and learning. This change in mindset enables us to welcome change, surmount obstacles, and pursue our ambitions with renewed enthusiasm.

The impact of caring for the ‘good wolf’ extends beyond our individual lives; it can also initiate change within society. When individuals unite to nurture their ‘good wolves,’ they form communities grounded in kindness, compassion, and mutual support. These communities can serve as catalysts for positive transformation, inspiring others to follow suit. Acts of kindness and compassion can proliferate, transforming entire neighborhoods, cities, and even nations.

In conclusion, nurturing the ‘good wolf’ within us significantly influences transforming lives. By intentionally choosing to focus on kindness, love, and compassion, we can boost our mental health, improve our relationships, and alter our perspective on life. Furthermore, the ripple effect of nurturing the ‘good wolf’ can lead to a more compassionate and harmonious society. Let us all aspire to nurture our ‘good wolves’ and make a positive impact in the world.