Through a temporary period of asceticism, fasting helps to weaken the hold of the ego, thus amplifying the whispering guidance of our spirit. The following profound Cherokee parable exemplifies the inner war between the ego and the spirit that fasting seeks to mediate: A Cherokee elder explained to his grandson, “Every person has a war inside their hearts between two wolves. The first wolf is evil and creates conflict by inspiring greed, envy, lust, arrogance, pride, hatred, and fear through overemphasis on the ego. The second wolf is good, fostering peace and unity through a state of
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