Which wolf are you feeding?
In the wake of the Trumpocalypse, which wolf are you feeding?
—Kevin Martin, President
Peace Action and Peace Action Education Fund
In the wake of the Trumpocalypse, many progressives are understandably despairing at the state of our society. Despair is understandable, but only serves the interests of the fascists, the warmongers, the racists, the oppressors of the people. As we grope to gain traction in a world seemingly gone mad, the Cherokee parable of the two wolves seems particularly useful at this time.
A grandfather told his grandson about a battle that rages inside everyone.
“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. The other is Good – it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”
The grandson, recognizing the same internal conflict within himself, asked “Which wolf will win?”
The grandfather replied, “the one you feed.”*
Right now, I’m concerned too many progressives are too despondent at the election, allowing the dire wolf to dominate, which again is understandable. Yet, if we are to be effective in turning the tide against injustice, to create a peaceful and just beloved community, we must feed the good wolf. A lot. Many meals each day. What that means for each of us is different. Music, art, friendship, dancing, laughing, solidarity, fresh air, feeling awe at the beauty of our planet, reflection and listening to the wisdom of others are all key for me. So is action, perhaps the most potent antidote to despair. This is especially important for us, and a real opportunity, because most people are not organizers. They need us to point the direction to meaningful, effective, difference-making action.
However, and I suppose this is a bit Yin and Yang, sorrow and anger at war, injustice and destruction of the planet are righteous and necessary. The dark wolf needs space to roam, to be understood, to be heard.
So, let us mostly feed the good wolf, but also use the dark wolf’s strength to just purpose.
*Source – oneyoufeed.net
