The Yin & Yang of the 2 Wolves Within Each of Us
Spring ~ suggests 3 New Beginnings marking the onset of Chinese New Year.
Ask ~ what happens in nature when Spring arrives? How do we metaphorically experience this shift to a new season ?
First, there is thunder, and lightening to suggest that we ‘wake up’ from the deep slumber of Winter.
Then, there is rain to wash away all the debris accumulated while we rested, and to provide the moisture for the plants to start their new cycle of growth.
Notice that only the healthiest and strongest survive to greet the new season with new beginnings.
What does this mean to us in every day life?
Nature automatically weeds out what is not needed. When forests become too thick, there are forest fires to eliminate the excess trees, so the sunlight can break through to nourish all the vegetation. We can reduce clutter by emulating what nature teaches ~ only buy and eat what is needed, thus saving valuable resources.
Spring is a simple reminder that in our superficial man-made world, we must provide for an on-going mechanism to re-fresh, and get rid of all that does not nourish us in order to maintain balance. And, to re-focus on new beginnings in our lives.
The following is a wonderful old Cherokee Legend which offers insight for how we may live life with less negative clutter starting with our mindset..
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice,
“Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with little sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”
He continued, “It is as if there are 2 wolves inside me.
One is good~ symbolizing joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, empathy, generosity and faith. He does no harm, living in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger, regret, self-pity, false pride, resentment, and ego. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He is ready to pick a fight about anything. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these 2 wolves, inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”
Native American Legends
We all live with the Yin/Yang of the 2 wolves inside us. It is about making the right choices in all that we do.
3 Areas of New Beginnings If We De-clutter + Re-focus
- mindset ~ our mind controls our eating habits, our attachment to things, and our attitudes towards other people, cultures, work, and life in general ~ the lesson is to see with a new perspective to maintain equilibrium
- house ~ detach from all the accumulation of ‘stuff’ tying you to the past. Nature teaches that all of life must keep moving forward naturally. Our house or our private space, is a ‘place’ to rejuvenate from the external world, and also to work through our inner issues with ourselves and others ~ then to let go
- body ~ try a week-end fast of nutritious, light broth made from leeks and other vegetable stock to detox the stomach, and aid our digestive system~ walk or ride a bicycle for strength, stretch and joint mobilization to prevent injuries & heal our physical being …then make eating mindfully and moving vigorously daily ~ a new habit!
We all have CHOICES. We can remain ‘STUCK‘ in our ‘stuff’,
or ‘GROW‘ which is the suggestion of Spring.
A Personal HOME Consultation with Nadine is very timely at this season of the year -as a tool to help you
transition to ‘new beginnings”