Feed the right wolf

We have all heard the idea that within each of us, there are two wolves: one representing goodness and the other representing negativity.

The wolf we feed determines our actions and personality. But the real question is, how do we feed these wolves? Understanding this inner mechanism is essential to nurturing the right one.

ATTENTION IS THE FOOD

Think of this concept in terms of growing a plant. When you plant a flower, you water it, ensure it gets sunlight, and protect it from harmful conditions. However, if weeds grow around it and consume the nutrients, the plant will struggle to grow. To help the plant grow, we remove the weeds so it can receive proper nourishment.

A similar principle applies to our inner world. We often attempt to uproot our weaknesses or those of others by underlining them repeatedly, believing this will help eliminate them. But this approach leads to the opposite result. In the internal world, removing weeds — meaning negative traits — does not come from fighting them directly. Instead, it happens by withdrawing our attention from flaws. The mistake we make is giving extra attention to shortcomings, which strengthens the bad wolf.

For instance, when someone is lazy, insincere, or dishonest, we tend to highlight these flaws. By constantly emphasising weaknesses, we unintentionally feed the wrong wolf. Whether it is our own flaws or those of others, the key to nurturing the right wolf is to shift our attention towards positive qualities. Every individual possesses some goodness, but how much we focus on it determines the strength of the right wolf. Unfortunately, we follow the wrong pattern. We say one sentence of appreciation but follow it with a long list of things to improve: “You are hard working, but …” and then enumerate faults. This approach is counterproductive and only strengthens the negative aspects that we wish to eliminate.

PAUSE AND RECONSIDER

Instead of unknowingly feeding the wrong wolf, we should nurture the right wolf by recognising and reinforcing positive traits. When we appreciate and highlight the good in ourselves and others, it grows stronger, attracting even more goodness. This practice not only benefits us individually but also helps others empower their right wolf.

Parents play the most crucial role. By encouraging their children’s strengths from an early age, they help shape emotionally and mentally empowered individuals. However, parents must first embody this principle themselves. Empty words have no effect.

So before pointing out a flaw, pause and reconsider. If you want to help someone overcome their weaknesses, talk about their strengths. This method may be slow and steady, but it ensures that the right wolf always wins.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.