I remember reading a Native American Cherokee Indian story where the grandfather is teaching his grandson about life. He describes about a fight going on inside between two wolves. One an angry wolf full of sorrow, greed, self pity, arrogance, and ego. The other being good that is full of joy, peace, love, kindness and hope. It was a conversation between grandfather and grandson. The grandfather explains that the fight is not only inside the grandson, but within each and every person. After the Have you heard the term “you get what you think about whether you want it or not”? I’ve heard it referred to by many teachers though the years, I can’t even quote who originally said it. But I have found it to be very true whether I like it or not.
So If this continues to prove true, it really makes a difference to focus on the direction you intend your life to flow. If you want to be happy, the key really is to focus on the things you already have. The more gratitude you practice, it’s as if you are saying to the universe, “thank you and more please”. When you complain and focus on what is missing, you do receive more lack. Regardless of your job and circumstances. I’ve known people in the the same profession, but opposite ends of income. You can be successful at any career, but the intention and energy you set forth, will be your results. So how are you thinking? Watch your language with people when you talk about what you currently do. Are you optimistic? Even if you aren’t currently doing what you want to, it helps to know that to move in the direction of your dreams, you may need to change your language and attitude in the current circumstances.
The power behind your intentions and feelings actually bring better circumstances over time. So if you are in a job that you really don’t like, you may need to improve your perspective. When you can come from the place of optimism of where you currently are, you become more open and allowing of what you want to flow in. Opportunities show up when we are team players in the universe. Being grateful in your current circumstances does attract brighter paths. If you can focus on all the positive aspects of where you are rather than focus on what is lacking, the next step and people show up at the perfect time.
If you are a bit unsatisfied with some current circumstances, the way to turn them into more positive experiences is to keep looking on the bright side or positive aspects. Complaining and continuing to discuss the things that are wrong and not working, brings more of those experiences to you. So you can use the power of your brain with the world. You may need some creativity in your thinking to find the positive aspects, but they are there. You can make a list and journal them. You can speak as if the things you want are on the way. You can create a vision board, or simply set the intentions for change.
Any of the ways that are content full to you is not as big of a point as being more cautious in the perspective you currently have. The main point is that if you get what you think about whether you want it or not gives us some clue as to how we attract what we’d like. Since we can’t control people, jobs, and circumstances, you DO have the power to control your attention. Every day and in each moment we have a choice on how we mentally focus. Think more about what you want. Think about what makes you happy. Focus on what you have. The time spend thinking in this direction is not a waste of time. It is using the universe and energy to your advantage. We are not helpless creatures of the world. We are creative wonderful human beings.
I encourage you to be creative and enjoy your thoughts more. Dream big, and give your mind permission to believe anything is possible. IF you get what you think about whether you like it or not, you might as well get more of what you’d like. ponders the scenario, he asks which wolf wins? And the grandfather replies, whichever one you feed.
It has always seemed like a simple and powerful story to me, but until we pay attention to our emotions, this can be easier said than done. I believe the most powerful impact we can make with the internal dialog or “wolf” in each of us, is in our daily interactions. By choosing more positive, kind, and patient responses with ourselves and others, we can feed the wolf that we want more of. To be happy and more kind, is a choice that we make every day. In each moment with ourself and those we come into contact in one shape or form, we have a choice in how we respond.
If you want to know how your doing, look around to see how things are going in your life. If you feel happy and kind most of the time, you have a good hang at it. If you would like some improvement, an easy place to start is paying attention to how you are responding with your own thoughts and interacting with others. Are you critical and self judging mostly? Do you get angry or resentful quick? These questions help point you to which wolf you are feeding most often.
Slowing down to be more mindful of your conversation with yourself and how patient and kind you are with others can help you empower your choices in the wolf you feed. When you’d like to experience more joy, peace, and kindness, we need to daily feed the wolf in ourselves and reflect that to others. That is how we shift our energy. A little at a time each day fosters more of what we wish to experience. You do breed what you feed.
I’ve learned to be very careful of where I focus my attention daily. It has helped me tremendously with my wolves. I am careful not to bombard my brain with too much negative news, drama, and complaints. You have the power to steer away from that kind of energy. Maybe not always, but I dominantly do so. And I believe if I can, you certainly can also. I generally start my day as positive as I can, and feed my brain with inspiration. Whether it be reading, writing, or listening to a YouTube of something that inspires me, It fills me before I leave my home and enables me to be kinder to others. I use a lot of snip its along the way each day.
You of course have to find small ways that work for you and are applicable, but be mindful of how you start your day and little things you can do to improve the thoughts and feelings you feed your wolves. Before responding, think to yourself what your feeding. It can just start with simple awarness. You can extend it to random acts of kindness each day. Encourage others rather than looking for their faults. We all have them and we can be kinder by looking for and pointing out the beauty and good in others over criticism. Think of it as a mirror. What would you like people to reflect back to you?
You do have control over the wolf. If you feel otherwise, you have just given too much of your power away. That is where starting by being mindful helps you regroup. And be patient with yourself. You can turn it around and shift the momentum. You have that choice daily. And it builds and it grows. Feed that wolf inside with more kindness, joy, and love. See if it in turn (over time), you receive the same.