An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice...

"Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt great hate for those who have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It's like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die.

I have struggled with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offence when no offence was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But...the other wolf... ah! The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all of the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

- Attributed as Native American, author unknown.

Thanks for that. I've heard that before, but it's a good one to remember as resentment and holding onto anger causes stress and ultimately makes people ill.

That said, I often wonder if too much is made of the good wolf. So many people are told from an early age that they mustn't rock the boat and they should put others first. Sometimes this can lead to some very fucked up people who are holding onto negativity and have no idea as to how they should deal with it and express it. It would help if we all had some clarity to help us recognise what the feeding good wolf actually means, because I'm certain it's not about putting other people's needs before your own all the time.

Sorry if that is nonsense, as I'm probably not getting my point across very well.

a tiger killed my wolves :/ wat do?

^Feed the tiger to your jackal.

LesleyPumpshaft wrote:
G'day LesleyPumpshaft.

You're welcome sunshine.

Ahhh, yes, the positivity-Nazis.

It's not about never expressing anger about anything. Doing so will ultimately lead to an 'explosion' of anger, or a melt down. or even making yourself into a 'door mat'.

Feeding the 'good wolf' is about 'feeding' yourself, doing what is beneficial for Who You Are choosing to Be. It's akin to the adage, charity begins at home. Well, if you recognise yourself as being in control of your physicality instead of being your physicality, then you can recognise that your physicality IS your home, for it is the vehicle in which you live, how you experience life, or that which you experience life through. So, begin with loving yourself, or 'feeding' yourself. Place no other above you or before you. Not that you don't help others, merely that you do not do it at the cost of compromising yourself. Be true to yourself and you'll be false to no one is another way of saying it.

Actually, you got your point across perfectly ... so be charitable to yourself.

Gilly wrote:
G'day Gilly.

I was going to say feed the tiger.

Yeah, the positivity Nazi's. I'll feed them to my wolf, either one will do, anything to shut them up.

I came in here fully expecting to read about 'feeders'...I was disappointed for a split second, but it's a lovely thread nonetheless iaaia.

Thank you.

I currently feed both my wolves.

Ab Origine wrote:
G'day Ab Origine.

You're welcome mate.

That "split second" was probably the Arrow of Frustration. Us Ruling 10's can overcome anything though.

psketti wrote:
G'day Psketti.

Which one is winning ?

I AM ALL I AM wrote:
The one with the most food mate

psketti wrote:
G'day Psketti.

Well, I was going to ask which one you are feeding the most. Then I thought, 'What is she feeding them ?'. So I thought I'd skip to the chase and simply ask which one is winning.

Give 'em both some and see what happens.

I AM ALL I AM wrote:
As I told you a minute ago... coffee