The Cherokee speak of a legend about two wolves that live inside each of us.
One wolf is dark. It feeds on anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego.
The other wolf is light. It is nourished by joy, peace, hope, humility, kindness, and truth.
The eternal question is: Which wolf is stronger?
The answer: The one you feed.
This legend reminds us that in every moment of our lives, we have a choice about which inner
energies we nourish. Yet there is more depth to this story than a simple preference for light over
dark.
At its essence, the two wolves represent the fundamental polarities of Love and Fear.
Love carries the constructive and expansive energies of joy, peace, hope, humility, kindness,
and truth. Fear carries the deconstructive and contractive energies of anger, jealousy, greed,
resentment, inferiority, lies, and ego.
To be human is to exist in a state of flux between these polarities. Themes of Love and Fear are
ever-present in our lives. Acting as catalysts, these forces generate the tension of opposites
through which growth, awareness, and evolution become possible.
‘To be human is to live on a spectrum between Love and Fear’.
We can see this polarity reflected clearly in nature. Spring and Summer bring expansion,
growth, and new life. Autumn and Winter bring contraction, decay, and death — clearing the
way for renewal.
While we may prefer certain seasons, we understand the futility of wishing for perpetual summer
or endless winter. In the same way, it is futile to wish for only the Light wolf to exist within us.
The deeper teaching of the two wolves is not to eliminate darkness, but to recognise that
everything has a place, even when we do not yet understand its purpose.
As much as we are invited to choose consciously what we feed, we are equally invited to see
clearly what exists, as it is — not only as we wish it to be.
‘Clarity arises when we meet the reality of what exists within us.’
This awareness opens the door to deeper forgiveness and acceptance. From here, we begin to
move beyond polarity altogether – toward a state of grace where the extremities of Love and
Fear soften, and a deeper sense of integration and oneness with the Divine, Source, or Higher
Self emerges.
Applying the Legend in Daily Life
‘Awareness is the key to working with the two wolves in a practical way.’
When we are present, we can sense whether Love or Fear is operating in our lives by listening
to the messages of the body. This allows us to respond consciously rather than react
automatically.
The School of Practical Philosophy teaches a simple technique called The Pause, designed to
bring us consciously into the present moment through our physical senses.
The practice is simple: pause briefly between tasks and bring your full attention, one at a time,
to each of your five senses. Experience each sense as if it were entirely new, taking nothing for
granted. This can be done in as little as 30 seconds, though 5–15 minutes allows for deeper
settling.
By shifting from habitual thinking or operating in a state of unconscious autopilot you can focus
your awareness to a state of present sensory experience. The Pause helps us recognise
whether Love or Fear is operating within us, thus creating the space to respond consciously
rather than react automatically.
Listening to Your Body — Feeding the Wolf
1. Choose a situation or issue you would like clarity around.
2. Begin by centering yourself in the present moment using The Pause.
3. Once grounded, gently bring the situation to mind, including any motivations or intentions connected to it.
4. Notice your body’s response.
Does it tighten or constrict?
Does your breath change?
Do you feel tension, discomfort, or contraction – or openness, ease, and expansion?
Your body communicates through sensation. Opening is generally a yes. Contraction
is often a no. Neutral sensations are simply neutral.
5. Explore the options available to you.
Imagine trying each one on, as you would an item of clothing.
Sense which option brings the greatest feeling of alignment, ease, and expansion.
Keep the mind out of the process – it will happily narrate and interfere.
This practice is about listening to the body’s truth, not the mind’s commentary.
Moving Beyond the Comfort Zone
Often, the body’s truth invites us to move beyond familiar territory. When inner guidance points
toward discomfort or change, resistance naturally arises.
This practice does not demand immediate action only honest listening.
Whether your response is yes, no, or neutral, acceptance begins with acknowledging what is
present. Much energy is lost resisting our inner experience and making decisions from reaction
rather than responding with awareness.
‘Acceptance of what is present in your body creates the ground from which conscious choice
can arise.’
As you develop understanding and compassion for both inner wolves, your clarity becomes
steadier and your choices more aligned. From this space, a deeper harmony unfolds – bringing
a sense of connection, coherence, and Divine grace into everyday life.
