We all experience inner conflict—those moments when we feel torn between different impulses, emotions, and choices. This struggle is beautifully captured in the ancient Two Wolves parable that I first encountered from a spiritual teacher during my travels in Colombia, though it’s often attributed to Native American Cherokee wisdom.
This timeless story offers profound insights into our internal battles and provides a simple yet powerful framework for achieving inner peace and personal growth. Let me share my version of this transformative tale.
The Parable of the Two Wolves: A Story of Inner Conflict
Imagine a peaceful village nestled between twin mountain peaks. Here lived Kiyoshi, known throughout the region as “The Mountain Sage.” To villagers near and far, he was more than an elder—he was a source of wisdom who listened compassionately to those in distress.
One golden afternoon, young Taro approached Kiyoshi with a troubled heart. Burdened by inner conflict and emotional turmoil, he trusted the sage would offer guidance.
Kiyoshi, with characteristic patience, shared this ageless story: “Inside each of us, Taro, live two wolves in constant battle. One thrives on negativity—anger, jealousy, resentment, fear, and greed. The other embodies positivity—love, compassion, hope, kindness, and truth. These wolves fight continually, each striving for dominance.”
Captivated, Taro pondered the tale before asking, “Which wolf wins?”
With eyes reflecting deep understanding, Kiyoshi replied simply, “The one you feed.”
This wisdom resonated deeply with Taro. Guided by this insight, he began consciously directing his thoughts and actions, channeling his energy toward nurturing his positive wolf. Over time, his transformation became evident as he developed into a figure of wisdom and compassion, much like Kiyoshi himself.
Understanding the Battle Within: Why Inner Conflict Happens
The Two Wolves parable brilliantly illustrates the psychological reality we all face. Modern psychology confirms what ancient wisdom has long taught—we contain multitudes, including conflicting impulses and tendencies.
These internal struggles manifest in various ways:
- Choosing between immediate gratification and long-term fulfillment
- Balancing self-interest with compassion for others
- Deciding between courage and comfort in challenging situations
- Wrestling with criticism versus encouragement in our self-talk
Neuroscience research reveals that our brains are actually wired for both positive and negative biases. The amygdala—our brain’s threat-detection center—typically reacts more strongly to negative stimuli, explaining why negative emotions often feel more powerful than positive ones.
This negativity bias served our ancestors well for survival but can hinder our wellbeing in modern life. The good news? We can consciously override this tendency through awareness and practice.
How to Feed Your Positive Wolf: Practical Strategies
1. Develop Self-Awareness
The first step toward positive change is recognizing which wolf you’re feeding in any given moment. Practice mindful awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions without judgment. This creates the space needed to make conscious choices rather than automatic responses.
Try this: Set three random alerts on your phone throughout the day. When they sound, pause and notice which wolf you’ve been feeding in the past hour.
2. Curate Your Environment
Just as a physical diet is influenced by what’s in your kitchen, your mental diet is shaped by your surroundings. The people, media, and environments you regularly expose yourself to profoundly impact which wolf grows stronger.
Try this: Conduct a simple audit of your daily influences. Which relationships, social media accounts, news sources, and entertainment choices feed your negative wolf? Which nourish the positive one? Make adjustments accordingly.
3. Practice Intentional Redirection
When you catch negative thoughts or emotions arising, you have the power to redirect your attention. This isn’t about suppressing legitimate feelings but rather choosing not to amplify or dwell on destructive patterns.
Try this: When negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment, then consciously direct your attention to something that feeds your positive wolf—gratitude, beauty, or a constructive action you can take.
4. Build Positive Habits
Consistent, small actions create lasting transformation. By establishing daily practices that nourish your positive wolf, you gradually strengthen its influence in your life.
Try this: Identify one small, daily habit that feeds your positive wolf—perhaps a gratitude practice, acts of kindness, creative expression, or connecting with nature. Commit to this practice for just five minutes daily.
5. Seek Wisdom and Guidance
Like Taro seeking Kiyoshi’s counsel, we all benefit from wisdom beyond our own. Books, mentors, spiritual teachings, and supportive communities can provide guidance and encouragement on your journey.
Try this: Identify one source of wisdom that resonates with you and make it part of your regular routine, whether through reading, listening, or personal connection.
The Transformative Power of Conscious Choice
Taro’s evolution from confusion to wisdom illustrates the profound impact of conscious choice and persistent effort. Like him, we all can transform our inner landscape through awareness and intention.
This parable reminds us that we are not passive observers of our internal struggles. We actively participate by choosing where to direct our attention, energy, and actions. The quality of our lives largely depends on which wolf we choose to feed.
As I often say, “True wisdom doesn’t merely echo in words; it thrives in actions. Repeated gestures craft a tapestry of growth and evolution.”
The battle between our wolves never completely ends—that’s part of being human. But with practice and patience, we can ensure that our positive wolf grows stronger, healthier, and more influential in guiding our lives toward peace, purpose, and meaning.
Which wolf will you feed today? The one you fear or the one that fears you.