The wolf you feed

“Two men looked out through prison bars; one saw mud, the other stars”

The above quotation illustrates the fact that two people can look at the same thing, but each perceive something diametrically different.

Often the very world we live in can seem like a prison. For some the cage we are trapped in has black bars, for others the cage may have bars of gold. Nevertheless, if we perceive our situation in a positive light, it can make all the difference.

How can we turn a negative situation around so that we can finish on a positive note?

This world is not perfect, but it is in perfect balance. Therefore it makes sense that if something negative exists, its positive equivalent must also be there. Dr John Demartini expounds on this fact in his book “The Breakthrough Experience”. If we take something bad that has happened to us and look for not only the bad, but also the good that has come from it, we see the event from a balanced perspective and often come away feeling healed.

One can take this process a step further and focus on only the good that has come from the event. Then the bad escapes our perception and we are strengthened. Then indeed it is true to say “All things happen for good”. This is the best way to look at life. Wouldn’t we all rather see stars than mud?

Whatever we perceive is true for us. Both men looking out the prison bars were actually right. The one who saw stars was much happier. Then what Winston Churchill said makes sense when he said “We create our own universe as we go along”.

It’s a journey to see life in this way. It doesn’t happen in a matter of days or weeks. It’s a process of making a habit of looking on the bright side. Perhaps we can start by being grateful for the mountains of good that already exist in our lives. The Law of Attraction states that like attracts like, so, like a magnet automatically attracts iron filings, what we focus on we get more of.

Notice the little gestures that the universe makes to give you support in this life. Is your bed comfortable? Do you have a close-knit family? Do your shoes support your feet well? Do you have a talent that brings you pleasure? Are you in a secure job? Did you enjoy your breakfast this morning? Did you notice the sunrise today? There are masses of big and little things that make your life very comfortable and pleasant that you may be taking completely for granted.

Once we are aware of how good life actually is, we start seeing more good things and so we start a snowball effect of decorating our lives with starry effects. These glowing phenomena exist deep within the soul of every human. Let’s not cover them up with darkness but bring them out into the light for all to see. Wouldn’t you rather make your bed in a mass of stars than a tub of mud?

As illustrated above, the differing perceptions of these two men made their experiences different. However, these “two men” can exist simultaneously inside one individual, as he/she struggles to make something meaningful of life.

I am reminded of an ancient story which is still very relevant in today’s world:

The Wolf You Feed

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

Therefore, as the old Cherokee suggested, it is very important to “feed” yourself with wholesome inputs, so that you win at the game of life.

The life we have today is a result of the many choices we have made up to this point. Choose and aim for the stars rather than wallow in grime. Let tomorrow take you to these stars. Once you find them you will know that they were always there and your journey’s circle will be happy and complete.

Searching your soul for answers to the following questions may illumine your path:

1# If you look back on your life, are you able to say that all the things that happened to you, happened for the good? Motivate your answer.

2# When you look at situations, do you see more stars than mud or vice versa? What can you do to make it possible for you to see more stars?

3# How do you perceive the saying of Winston Churchill which states that “We create our own universe as we go along”?

4# Taking into account what this article says, what are the little gestures of support that life is bestowing upon you right now?

5# In the light of the above article, how are you going to use your power of choice from this point onwards?

May life bring you the very best of experiences as you weave your sacred way forward!