wise moments

some moments yesterday afternoon
were spent with new friends

I listened
marveling at the wisdom
wondering at the huge privilege
of being included

an elderly Cherokee native was talking about life

he said
a fight is going on inside me
it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves

one wolf is evil
he is fear
anger
envy
sorrow
regret
greed
arrogance
self-pity
guilt
resentment
inferiority
lies
false pride
competition
superiority
and ego

the other is good
he is joy
peace
love
hope
sharing
serenity
humility
kindness
benevolence
friendship
empathy
generosity
truth
compassion
and faith

this same fight is going on inside you
and inside of every other person too

the others thought about this for a moment
then one asked

which wolf will win

this wonderful old Cherokee simply replied

the one you feed