FEB 26

Although IFS holds much in common with several wisdom traditions, one departure is that IFS does not villainize parts of ourselves that other parts dislike or find uncomfortable.  Rather, in IFS, we relate from Self to all parts with compassion and curiosity.  Take this oft-quoted Cherokee teaching about the two wolves:

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

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

As lovely as the teaching is, IFS would not “starve” the other wolf, but would rather relate from Self  with compassion and curiosity.