“One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
“One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
“The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:
“Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
– “The Story of the Two Wolves.”
I fully believe Heaven and Hell are two states of mind, representing two different ways of living our lives on Earth.
Whenever we feed our mind with negative thoughts of anger, anxiety, envy, jealousy, lies, guilt or resentment, we create a Hell of fear, worries and negative thoughts that make us feel frustrated, miserable and sad.
Whenever we nourish our mind with thoughts of joy, peace, honesty, hope, understanding and care (in relationship to ourselves and others), we create a positive internal universe of compassion, a Heaven where the primary language is the one of love.
“The Story of the Two Wolves” is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. And still, I am here to ask if it is even possible to have no fears and only experience so-perceived “positive” emotions: happiness, joy, satisfaction, content, and so on.
The truth is being human also comes along with rough times, dealing with loss, failure, and disappointment, sadness, sufferance and pain. Ignoring the reality of our emotions is being in denial.
Everyone is striving to be happy. Most of us have been taught to suppress such so-called “negative” emotions and avoid pain. However, is that even possible? At least for me, I know it doesn’t work.
However, I found a way to stop identifying myself with my emotions, knowing that they are transitory. I learned to witness them with no judgment, instead of labeling myself through my feelings.
Instead of “I’m sad,” I say: ”There is sadness in me right now.”
Instead of “I’m angry,” I say: “There is anger in me right now.”
Instead of “I’m worried,” I say: “There is a worry in me right now.”
Acting as an observer helps me take my power back. This way, can self-manage my emotions, instead of letting them control me. Energy consuming stress that once used to torment me does not own me any longer, and I own it instead.
“Feelings are just visitors; let them come and go.” – Mooji
When we acknowledge the entire range of emotions instead of trying to suppress or ignore them, we embrace our humanity and approve of ourselves, as we are.
Today I know I am not my thoughts, in the same way, I am not what I feel. My spirit refuses to be put in a box and labeled. I am a soul who is here to learn, grow from new experiences and be as happy as I could be.
And now, I would love to hear from you. What is your way to cope with difficult emotions?
Sara Fabian is a Women’s Empowerment & Career Coach and inspirational speaker, on a mission to help professional women to discover their unique strengths, gifts and talents, boost their confidence, find their calling and live a meaningful life of purpose. For weekly inspiration, subscribe to her free newsletter at www.sarafabiancoaching.com or follow her on Facebook.
Image courtesy of luizclas.
