Does Izzy have wolves in her heart? Do we?

A week of anxious events haunts me. The Mosque, the wars, and a man who pretends, in front of Mr. Lincoln,he has all the answers to healing the world and our nation. Where would Izzy find wisdom and peace in this mess? Wisdom of nature can soothe.

Let’s think like an animal, like a chicken, or a wolf. Let’s go back to ancient wisdom with this timeless story: A Cherokee grandfather napped, reflecting on the sight of two fighting wolves he’d seen in the forest earlier that day, when one of his grandchildren came to remind him it was time for the evening teaching about life. Opening his eyes, the old man heard his youngest grandson and smiled. He knew the exact story he would tell. The memory of today’s wolves guided him.

The fire’s glow framed his strong face, the youngsters gathered around, waiting. Slowly, quietly, eyes half-closed, then looking around at each expectant face, he began, "Tonight I tell you of a fight going on inside me”..He opened wide his eyes now,.”It is a terrible fight, and a long one.” Hand on his heart now: “it is always between the pair of wolves who live in my heart! Yes, in my heart! I see them, feel them,hear them!”

One wolf is fearful, angry, envious, sad, regretful, greedy, he shows arrogance, self-pity, resentment, he lies, makes up scary stories, he wants power, wants others to be scared of him, but listen. He always growls. G-r-rr.

The other wolf is filled with joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, humility, kindness, friendship, generosity, truth, compassion. When he opens his mouth, he smiles with his sharp teeth. His eyes speak friendship. Wags his tail, wants to be petted.

Here is the secret: This same fight is going on inside of you and every other person too! This secret will guide you from the inside. "

“Inside us?” they questioned, but how do you know?

“Ah, my children, I can see ‘your wolves’ with my old eyes, I see them every day when I see what you do and hear what you say to each other.”

After a long time of silence, thinking about ways of the woods, one child asked “Grandfather, which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee smiled gently, and simply replied..."The wolf I feed."

I will feed Izzy and her sisters now, speaking and cooing to them softly. Let’s all feed the kind wolf and be glad we can choose to do so.