Everyday is a day to practice nonviolence. We practice by making conscious choices. Each and every moment of the day provides a new choice. In every moment I can begin again.
I love to share this short story that helps us to understand so clearly the power of each choice.
THE WOLVES WITHIN, Author unknown
An old grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said “Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”
He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.”
“But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing. Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and said, “The one I feed.”
Today I choose only to feed my loving heart. As part of my daily practice I take time to be grateful that I always have a choice. My gratitude feeds my practice of Love.
