How Mindfulness Empowers Us: An Animation Narrated by Sharon Salzberg

Summary

This Native American-inspired story conveys the power of mindfulness through the metaphor of two wolves representing negative and positive traits. The elder teaches that feeding the compassionate wolf strengthens it, guiding us through life's varied experiences. Mindfulness enables us to recognize our feelings and thoughts in real-time, empowering us to choose which thoughts to nurture and which to let go, thus shaping our behavior beyond old habits.

Takeaways

• 🐺 **Inner Conflict**: There are two wolves inside each of us representing different aspects of our nature.
• 🌟 **Choice of Feeding**: The elder's response emphasizes that we have the power to choose which 'wolf' to feed.
• 🚫 **Avoidance of Suppression**: Denying or suppressing negative emotions can paradoxically empower them.
• 🧘 **Mindfulness**: Paying calm attention to negative emotions without judgment can help to neutralize them.
• 🌱 **Strengthening the Positive**: Focusing on and nurturing positive qualities can make them stronger.
• 🛡 **Non-Enmity**: Transforming the 'angry wolf' from an enemy to a companion through understanding and acceptance.
• 🌟 **Guidance**: The 'peaceful wolf' can guide us through various life experiences.
• 🌈 **Variety of Experiences**: Life's experiences, whether restful or chaotic, can be navigated with the right mindset.
• 🔑 **Empowerment**: Mindfulness empowers us to choose our thoughts and actions consciously.
• 🔄 **Breaking Old Habits**: Mindfulness allows us to break free from old habits and patterns of thinking.
• 🏋️ **Practice**: Developing mindfulness is a practice that requires consistent effort.

Q & A

What is the central metaphor in the Native American story mentioned in the script?

The central metaphor is the two wolves fighting within a person's heart, representing the struggle between negative emotions and positive virtues.

What are the characteristics of the 'fearful wolf' in the story?

The 'fearful wolf' is characterized by being fearful, vengeful, envious, resentful, and deceitful.

What are the traits of the 'compassionate wolf'?

The 'compassionate wolf' is described as compassionate, loving, generous, truthful, and peaceful.

How does the elder suggest we should deal with the 'angry wolf'?

The elder suggests not to deny, hurt, or kill the 'angry wolf', but to calmly pay attention to it and let go of the belief that it has the answers.

What is the outcome when we stop feeding the 'angry wolf'?

When we stop feeding the 'angry wolf', it no longer remains an enemy but lies down next to us, becoming less powerful.

How can we strengthen the 'kind and loving wolf'?

We can strengthen the 'kind and loving wolf' by giving it nourishment and support, which allows it to become our steady companion.

What role does mindfulness play in this story?

Mindfulness is presented as a tool that allows us to see our thoughts and feelings as they arise, empowering us to choose which emotions to strengthen and which to let go.

Why is it important to be aware of our feelings and thoughts as they happen?

Being aware of our feelings and thoughts as they happen is powerful because it allows us to make conscious choices about which emotions and thoughts to engage with and which to release.

How does mindfulness help us in dealing with different life experiences?

Mindfulness helps us by providing a guide that can accompany us through various life experiences, whether they are restful, chaotic, enjoyable, or disappointing.

What does the elder mean when he says 'The one I feed' will win the fight?

The elder implies that the wolf we give attention and energy to, either through nurturing or fighting, will become stronger and more influential in our lives.

How can we avoid being at the mercy of old habits or ways of thinking?

We can avoid being at the mercy of old habits or ways of thinking by practicing mindfulness, which empowers us to recognize and choose our responses to our thoughts and feelings.

What is the significance of the peaceful wolf becoming our steady companion?

The significance of the peaceful wolf becoming our steady companion is that it provides us with a guide to navigate through life's experiences with a sense of peace and stability.