The Two Wolves

I know I emailed this to you, but that was awhile ago and it popped into my head today because Gretchen was telling a story in yoga today. She was telling the story of a little boy who stood on the beach as the tide started to go out. It was a very sunny day and as the tide went out further and further, more and more starfish were left uncovered on the sand to dry up in the sun. So the little boy starting tossing them back into the ocean, fully knowing he could never save them all. A man approached the boy as he grasped one in his hand. The man asked, "Why bother saving that starfish? It is impossible for you to save every starfish on this beach today." The little boy looked at the man, looked down at the starfish in his hand, and then back up at the man and said, "But I can save this one. I can make a difference."
I loved that story because sometimes I want to help, to join a cause and its like when you asked me what charity to run the marathon for and I started a long long long long list. I choose not to make a difference sometimes because I can't just pick one. Picking none is much worse. You can't save everyone and everything. That is what I learned today.
Oh and then she ended the story by saying, "We must all be grateful for what we have, here and now, this time and space, to practice, to breath, to be safe. There are much worse off people in the world right now." And then I wanted to cry.

So here is the Wolf Story. Enjoy.

One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson a story about a battle that goes on inside every human being. He said:  “My son, the battle is between two wolves.” 
ONE IS SORROW: It is “driven” by - self-hatred. It is filled with - a hundred forms of fear, anger, resentment, guilt, despair, shame, boredom, and self-pity. This wolf dwells alone - in isolation. It lives in - the past and the future. It trusts no one - not even itself. It spends its entire time “running” back and forth between - yesterday and tomorrow. It knows no peace.
ONE IS JOY: It is “driven” by - self-love. It is filled with a hundred forms of courage, faith, hope, compassion, humility, patience, and gratitude. This wolf “connects” with other wolves, and shares in their joys and sorrows. It lives in the - present. It trusts other wolves, not blindly, but because it has learned to trust in - the Spirit that lies within each and every wolf. It knows peace.
The grandson thought about it for a minute, then asked his grandfather this question, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied: “The one you feed.”
Which one are you feeding – sorrow or joy?

And finally, the most exciting note that I hope you really enjoy is GRETCHEN"S WEBSITE!!!
www.yogapriya.vpweb.com

Right on her homepage is her personal mantra that she repeats at almost every class. I think maybe it could really strike a chord with you, especially with this Joe situation. (By the way, I am glad you are taking some you time and getting some good night sleep. I am really proud of you -- not for being spiteful and making him miss you and all that negative stuff. I am proud of you for putting yourself first and making this time for yourself and doing what is best for you, and hopefully best for you both in the long run.)

There is no love without freedom and no freedom without love.

love you abs