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Haw mitakola,

Time for a story.

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 no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy.

It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die.

I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me.

One is good and does no harm. He lives 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. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason.

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 two 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."

Now, was Grandfather trying to be funny? Teach a lesson? Or, just trying make his grandson think?

Perhaps you have another 'take' on the story.

I would like to hear what you think.....

Wakan Tanan Kici Un.
Ka Dish Day,
kimi kaya

Cante Waste Nape Ciyu Zapo, Kimi Kaya.

I think Grandfather is trying to give the boy a lesson in managing his emotions and learning how to grow spiritually. If you dwell on the negative, you feed the anger and hate. If you try to look on the bright side and find something positive from the experience, you will be able to focus on the good. For one to grow and be in harmony with Nature and all Creation, feed the good wolf.

Does anyone else have a theory or feeling about the story?

Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
Phyllis

Well, Le Mita Cola (My Friend), it seems no one else wishes to comment on the story.

I have been checking each day since you wrote your wonderful
paragraph. I feel you have, and please excuse an old cliche, 'hit the nail on the head'. I am sure that is exactly what the Grandfather was trying to get across. And you have expressed it so eloquently. Pilamaya.

I read a wonderful quote this morning that I would like to share.
Evidently, a Dr. Schueller said this when asked why so many people died in the terrorist's attacks of 9/11: "Take an O out of good and we have God; put a D before evil and we have devil."

Until another time, may you all walk in peace.
Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
kimi kaya

Recently I asked a friend for his permission to use his name in a book I am writing. I said I would like to credit him with being an inspiration to me. He said that he will not take credit for my own spiritual growth and inspirations, that I am who I am from following my own heart.

All birds, even those of the same species, are not alike, and it is the same with animals and with human beings. The reason Wakan Tanka does not make two birds, or animals, or human beings exactly alike is because each is placed here by Wakan Tanka to be an independent individuality and to rely upon itself.
Shooter - Teton Sioux

I usually get up in the morning long before the sun rises. I love to sit on my back porch with a hot cup of coffe and commune with the stars, Nature and my ancestors and pray for whatever is on my mind. This morning I woke up long after the sun had risen, due to lack of sleep for several nights. I felt like over half my day was missing.

What is your special time of day to commune with Nature?

Ya Ta Say Le Mita Cola, Phyllis,

I very much enjoyed reading your quoted paragraph from 'Shooter'. Wakan Tanan is Wise beyond compare, which of course, goes without saying.

You have posed an interesting question. For me, not being a 'morning person', my special time would be right at sunset.
The heat of the Florida day is beginning to cool, wildlife is
coming out to search for dinner before sleep and the colors of
sunset can be stunning. That is when I commune with Nature and thank the Great Spirit for my day. Not all days are 'good' and pain-free, but it's important to offer thanks, nontheless.

I, too, would like to hear others thoughts on Phyllis' interesting question.

And now, something a bit lighter; Native American humor:

Luther, a Tsa la gi, explained his creative God by saying, "God take Himself and make the fish, God take Himself and make the tsi s du [rabbit]; He take Himself and make the wa ya [wolf]; He take Himself and make the squirrel, and He take Himself and make me. These things my brothers." But, Luther, what do you do when you want to go squirrel hunting? Merriment danced in his black eyes and he added, "I just say, Squirrel-Brother, God made you for me!"

"Heen Akeeya" (smile).

Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
Kimi Kaya

Thank you for your comments and thoughts, Kimi. I love your little story about Luther.

The way you describe your special time in the evening is very peaceful and I can imagine it clearly. Thank you for sharing.

Anyone else have a special time to commune with Nature?

It has been long time my last visited. How are you all?

Ya Ta Say, Katja!

It is so nice to see you again. So, the better question would be "How are you?".

I am so pleased to see you here again at the campfire, because we have few that have wanted to join us here. Which means the fire grows dim and there are no new stories, or legends or anyone to carry on the "talking stick".....what a shame.

Perhaps you have a story to tell? I am sure we would all be very interested in reading something from your great country!

Until later, I would like to say:
Wakan Tanan Kici Un, Dear Friend.
Hugs,
Kimi Kaya

Here is finnish story about Kalevala
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