Which Voice Will Win?

Two Voices Inside:  Who will Win? 

When you set a huge goal like writing a book or other dreams—resistance will show up in a big way.  Steven Pressfield who wrote the book War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle, points out that your biggest dream will be met with the most resistance.  There’s an old parable that illustrates how to listen to the two voices inside.

An elder Cherokee Indian is teaching his grandson about life and says, “My son, a fight is going on inside people.  He goes on, “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves that live inside of us.  One wolf is evil–he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you–and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

 

Energy Flows Where Your Attention Goes  

Feed the voice of expansion and do more to contain the voice of fear and doubt.  Both wolves will always be there.   I’ve noticed as I was getting ready to launch my new book Inner Power NOW and new website, I had a tendency to feed the dark wolf of fear and it became paralyzing.  “What if I fail?  I don’t know what I’m doing?”

If you keep giving into the first dark wolf, it may stop you in your tracks.  But what if we act in spite of those negative feelings or doubts.  Keep moving forward and begin feeding the right wolf, which is also your higher self.   Plant more positive expectations like, “All is well and will be well,” or “I’ll learn from this, no matter what.”  When we act “as if” and expect great things, despite these fears, worries, and doubts you’ll be feeding the white wolf.

Feeding Both Wolves Is the Best Approach

In the Cherokee tradition, there’s another version of this story, where the older Cherokee tells his grandson:

“If you feed them right, they both win.” and the story goes on.  If you only choose to feed the white wolf, the black one will be hiding around every corner waiting for you to become distracted or weak and jump to get my attention. He’ll always be angry and fight the white wolf. But if you acknowledge him, the dark wolf will calm down and be happy.   The white wolf is happy, and we all win.”

“The black wolf has many qualities like tenacity, strategic thinking, and being strong-willed,” explains the grandfather. These are the qualities the white wolf lacks. But the white wolf has compassion, caring, and recognizes what’s in the best interest of all concerned.”

We need to feed both sides of our internal voices.  Acknowledge the black wolf by saying thank you for sharing and trying to keep me safe.

Here goes.  Are you listening — my two internal wolves?  Let’s work together to help bring more stress relief and peace with my new book and programs for Inner Power NOW.  I need both of you on my side, working as a team, to create the highest good for all concerned.

Wishing you and your family the best!
Vicki 

Vicki Atlas Israel is the Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller “Inner Power NOW.”  Order the book at InnerPowerMindset.com. Contact Vicki if you’re interested in having her speak at your next event.  As a Best Mindset Coach and Certified Guided Imagery Specialist, Vicki’s purpose is to bring more love, joy, and healing to children and families.  You can connect with her on Facebook or email her at Vicki@InnerPowerMindset.com