Which Wolf Will You Feed Nahko

Which Wolf Are You Feeding?

Posted On February 13, 2021

This week, I was reminded of a Native American tale about two wolves. The elder tells the youth that all of us have two wolves living inside, perpetually fighting each other. One is the good wolf and another is the bad wolf. The good wolf is the one that encourages us, keeps us positive, and drives us to our purpose. The bad wolf complains all the time, feels like a victim or is constantly angry. Who wins the fight? the youth asked. The wolf you feed, answered the elder.

I love this story. The one important thing that the elder forgot to mention, is how much food the good wolf needs and how little food the bad wolf needs to win.

Our brain is wired to see threats, the negative first. That is a key survival mechanism: we want to see the predator or danger first in order to flight, fight, or freeze. Focusing on what is wrong around us is how we feed the bad wolf.

To go against the grain (or wire) and feed the good wolf, we need tools and practices such as meditation, gratitude, and turning off the noise. These habits take more energy and need to be done more frequently until we can control our minds to focus on the positive.

Throughout the years, I have learned to closely guard my positive energy and perspective. I know it is fragile and, if neglected, it can shift which wolf is fed.

"In order to carry a positive action we must develop a positive vision." Dalai Lama

Here are some of the practices I have implemented

1) Gratitude

As part of my meditation practice, I write down three things I am thankful for that day (I try not to repeat day over day). This compels me to think of my blessings (which are many) shifting my mind from the multitude of things I could complain about. In time, our brain gets the message: there is no need to see the threat first, we can focus on the many positive things going on with us.

"Every day may not be good… but there is something good in every day." Unknown

2) Meditation

I have been meditating every day for almost a year now. For many people the word meditation evokes a monk sitting for hours in the lotus or some other uncomfortable position. I started with five minutes. I now do between 10-20 minutes every morning (the time of day is my choice). The purpose of this practice is to learn to calm our brain and oxygenate our body. The great thing about this practice is that it is easy to start, does not require special equipment, and anyone can do it regardless of physical abilities. Keep in mind that prayer could also be used as a meditation practice.

"Tough times never last but tough people do." Unknown

3) Other people

There are many people who invariably feed the bad wolf. These are the ones who are usually complaining about everything, who think nothing is worth trying the effort, and who, in general, bring everyone down. They are not necessarily bad people who commit criminal or illegal acts. I chose to limit or cut the exposure to people whose bad wolf is winning the fight. Every family has at least one, so it may not be possible to completely cut them out of our lives. We can, however, limit the time we spend with them. By the way, company includes authors through the books we read, podcasters, bloggers, online communities, etc.

"Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher." Oprah Winfrey

4) Input

I do not watch the news. I have been highly criticized for not being up to speed on what is going on in the world. People tell me 'you have to be informed', and my response is 'how come?' I have no control of most (if not all) of the events that are currently happening. Knowing about them will take some food from the good wolf and give it to the bad wolf. Believe me when I say that you will know about the very important events that are happening. Your company may send a communication to all employees, your friends will comment about it, etc. For those big items, I will go on the Internet and read the relevant highlights. As of the time of this writing, this practice has not hindered my performance at work, as a mentor, leader, or professional coach. On the contrary. Allowing input of inspiring, motivating and useful information has made me a better professional, leader, mentor, and coach.

"If you are positive you will see opportunities instead of obstacles." Unknown

The good wolf requires much more calories and better quality of food to survive. It is much easier to feed the bad wolf. Constantly and zealously guard the health of your good wolf. And trust the process; it works.

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." Marcus Aurelius

How do you feed the good wolf? What tools and practices do you use and do? Please, let us know in the comments. You can write in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

My mission is to help women transform their inner voice from critic to champion, so they can confidently realize and fulfill their potential achieving what they want most for themselves, their families, communities, organizations, and teams.

burnettcoraven.blogspot.com

Source: https://innertalkcoach.com/which-wolf-are-you-feeding/

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