As the holidays approach and we reflect on the state of the world, it's worth considering: Does conflict begin within us before it manifests outside?
This ancient Cherokee teaching provides a timeless guide to finding balance. It reminds us that tending to the parts of ourselves with care transforms inner conflict into harmony—a foundation for peace in the outer world.
An old Cherokee shared this story with his grandson:
“A fight is going on inside me,” he told the boy. “It is a terrible battle between two wolves. One wolf is evil—anger, envy, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, lies, and ego. The other is good—joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, compassion, and faith. The same fight is happening inside you—and inside everyone.”
The boy thought for a moment and asked, “Which wolf will win?”
You may have heard this response: “The one you feed.”
But in the Cherokee tradition, the story continues:
The elder replied, “If you feed them both wisely, they both win. You see, if I only feed the white wolf, the black wolf will wait in the shadows, ready to pounce when I am weak. But if I acknowledge him, he becomes my ally. The black wolf brings courage, tenacity, and strength—qualities the white wolf needs. And the white wolf brings compassion, kindness, and wisdom—qualities the black wolf lacks. Together, they make me whole.
Feed them both, and they will serve you well. With no battle within, you can hear the voice of deeper knowing to guide your life.
Peace, my child, begins within.”
This teaching reminds us: Inner harmony is the foundation of outer peace.
Dr. David Hawkins expands on this idea in his book Power vs. Force, showing how our inner states influence collective consciousness. Negative states like fear, anger, and shame lower not only our energy but also that of those around us. Conversely, love, gratitude, and compassion elevate our vibration, fostering connection, creativity, and understanding which also impacts others.
For example, research has shown that when people meditated on peace and love in a violence-prone area, crime rates dropped during the study. This demonstrates how shifting our inner state can ripple outward, impacting the world around us.
What can you do as one person?
A lot.
The next time someone offers you an unexpected act of kindness—a smile, a listening ear, or an encouraging word—notice how it shifts your day. Now imagine the power of multiplying that ripple effect.
Operating from the heart, often called our “second brain,” helps us move beyond primal fight-or-flight responses and into a higher consciousness where peace thrives.
When we nurture our inner peace, we ripple it outward—one small act at a time. Imagine yourself choosing patience over anger, kindness over judgment, or a calming breath over a reactive outburst. These simple shifts create ripples of change. We are all connected.
Peace on earth begins within.
When we take responsibility for balancing our inner wolves—nurturing their strengths and wisdom—we transcend conflict. Love and compassion become the bridge to raising collective consciousness.
What we cultivate within, shapes the world we create on the outside.
Let’s feed our inner wolves wisely. Let’s nurture peace within ourselves, and in doing so, plant the seeds of peace for humanity.
We are all connected.
Now that, is a truth worth fighting for.
Comments