Fear is our biggest enemy, and it comes from within. We fear failure, we fear judgment, we fear being “too” something—too much, too loud, too sensitive, too ambitious. There are too many “toos” to list here. In our quest to avoid these fears, we also avoid confrontation.
That includes confronting the people who wrong us, but more importantly, confronting the parts of ourselves we don’t want others to see.
We say things like “go with the flow”—but sometimes that’s just a mask for following the trappings of society and pushing down our authentic selves.
An old Native parable tells the story of two wolves living inside you. One is dark. The other is light. The parable says the one who thrives is the one you feed. It touches on the internal battle we all face, no matter who we are or where we are on our journey.
But here’s the truth that isn’t mentioned in that parable—or in polite society: both wolves belong.
Both are a natural, inherent part of us from birth—not because we come here as sinners, but because we come here prepared.
We come here with protection. We come here with a giddy radiance, a light full of joy and reverence. Ever notice how children tend to be happy, free, smiling, and fearless? They still have both wolves inside them—the light that shines so brightly, and the dark that stands guard, ready to protect them when needed.
Why would it ever be necessary to tell the protector to go away… unless there are those who benefit from us being unprotected?
In my walk through life, I’ve learned it’s not pushing down, snuffing out, or hiding away the dark parts of ourselves that brings enlightenment. It’s seeing them. Examining them. Understanding that they have a job to do just as much as the light does.
Thanking and accepting them for their role changes everything.
Instead of hiding, now you’re integrating. Now you can shine as brightly as possible. You can walk without fear. You can be authentic. And when the situation warrants it—you have a weapon ready, willing, and able to defend you.
Sure, I may never see a zombie apocalypse in my lifetime… but I’m prepared all the same.
Mini Integration Exercise: Feeding Both Wolves
1. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed for at least 5 minutes. Sit comfortably with your feet on the ground and your hands resting in your lap.
2. Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths. Let each exhale release tension from your body.
3. Visualize the Light Wolf — radiant, warm, and joyful. Notice how it looks, how it moves, and what it wants for you.
4. Visualize the Dark Wolf — strong, steady, and protective. Notice the power in its gaze, the weight of its presence, and how it has shielded you before.
5. Acknowledge them both:
“You each have a purpose. You both belong. I thank you for your service.”
6. Picture them walking side by side—like the yin and yang, two halves of a whole—ready to work in harmony.
7. When you open your eyes, carry that image with you through your day. Let it remind you that you are never incomplete.
With reverence, radiance, love and light,
Charming White Eyes