We are beginning to now recognize how the last couple decades represent a clear example of human over consumption. We borrowed and bought beyond our means and the rules encouraged it. The imbalance of resources and demand has been out of balance for years now and the scary economic reality is common fodder around kitchen tables and across the bar stools in this country. It may be time that we summon up the “wolf” within us. The wolf is known most for its reliability to the community (pack), efficient and sustainable consumptive patterns, and a clear and consistent leadership structure.
A common debate in the environs of the western public lands surrounds the release of and subsequent hunting of wolves. In 1991 we finally agreed that the imbalance in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park in particular, was primarily the result of the systematic slaughter of the Gray Wolf. The reintroduction, though thoroughly contested, has been extremely successful in restoring the natural prey and predator relationship, and returning the “wildness” to these wild lands.
The conflict rages on as many wolves have been shot by ranchers protecting their livestock on lands bordering the massive park. Recently, a wolf that was collared and tracked for many years, a favorite of the rangers and naturalists, wolf 527, was shot dead after roaming beyond the invisible line.
Why does the wolf wander beyond the abundant hunting grounds, to its own demise? Perhaps these wolves, like humans, are not satisfied with having enough, and need to express the wildness that is controlled by property and fence lines. Perhaps enough is not enough? Why do so many of our leaders wander into unprotected areas to expose the apparent inner weakness, or wildness, which cannot be satisfied by having all their apparent needs satisfied?
The complexity of the psyche cannot be overemphasized. The wolf within us is real and requires expression at some point. One can only wonder if there is space enough for all of us to howl.
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