You’ve probably heard the old story or folk tale about the two wolves. There are many versions of it, but it generally goes something like this:
A wise man tells his grandchild that two wolves live inside of him, in constant battle. One wolf is bad — mean, greedy, and dangerous. The other wolf is good — wise, kind, and loving. The child asks him which wolf wins, and the man says, “The wolf I feed.”
When a student mentioned this story to me recently, as an example of how to be a better person, I was struck by its casual cruelty and stupidity. Because there is no reason to starve any part of ourselves! Trying to do so only causes more pain, conflict and suffering. Force, hatred, malice, and willpower will not lessen suffering but create more conflict, self-loathing, and confusion — we see this over and over again in each other and the world.
This month, we’ll take a look at our own wolves, and learn to approach the wolves we don’t like or don’t want with gentleness, patience, and good sense. Instead of trying to exile, alienate, or destroy them, we’ll learn to give them what they really need — understanding, validation, and connection — so they (and we!) can feel more peaceful, less reactive, and better able to make sensible decisions for ourselves and our communities.
As always — plan to practice the weekly guided audio meditation every day. And share your experiences and your questions to our discussions in each comment section.
I know you know it takes both 💖 and $$ to keep Meditation with Heart alive! So the best way to support it (and me), if you don’t already: Press the orange button (and get access to all the audio practices in our big archive, access to live sessions, and more).
The happiness we seek is our birthright. To discover it we need to be more gentle with ourselves, more compassionate toward ourselves and our universe. The happiness we seek cannot be found through grasping, trying to hold on to things. It cannot be found through getting serious and uptight about wanting things to go in the direction we think will bring happiness. We are always taking hold of the wrong end of the stick. The point is that the happiness we seek is already here and it will be found through relaxation and letting go rather than through struggle.
— Pema Chodron
See you tomorrow with our first audio recording for this theme. Until then, may you appreciate your measure of safety, ease, and comfort. May all beings have shelter, food, and support. May it be so!
Metta+++,
Kim✨
