The wolves were returned to Yellowstone’s ecosystem in 1995 after having been killed off in the 1930s, and their return had an astonishing ripple effect on all of the animal, plant and river life in that natural space.

Since the wild wolves have returned to Yellowstone, the elk and deer are stronger, the aspens and willows healthier, and the grasses taller. When the wolves chase the elk during the hunt, the elk are forced to run faster and farther. As the elk run, their hooves aerate the soil, allowing more grasses to grow. Since the elk cannot remain stationary for too long, the aspens and willows in one area are not heavily grazed and can therefore fully recover between migrations.

Additionally, the coyotes in the park have been outcompeted and essentially reduced by 80 percent in the areas occupied by wolves. With fewer coyotes hunting small rodents, raptors like the eagle and osprey have more prey and are making a comeback. The endangered grizzly bears successfully steal wolf kills more often than not, and thus they have more food to feed their cubs.

In essence, we’ve learned that by starting recovery at the top, with predators like wolves, the whole system benefits. A wild wolf population actually makes for a stronger, healthier, and more balanced ecosystem. From plants to insects to people, all parts of the ecosystem have benefited from the wolves. When a species—even a dangerous predator—returns, an ecosystem becomes whole again.

When I saw that YouTube video, I began wondering about my own inner ecosystem. I started asking questions like: Are there any parts of myself that have become extinct through neglect, sickness, or poison, through being hunted and killed? Have some parts of myself been exiled or banished out of fear, anger, or shame? Is there a memory or an experience where I was stalked or where parts of my humanity were profaned or desecrated? Did I have to put on a costume or a mask to survive? Am I pretending to be someone I’m not in order to be accepted or find a sense of belonging?

I began wondering if there was a “wild wolf” that wanted to come home?

I started envisioning a life of wholeness and purpose, a stronger, healthier, and more balanced life, where my mind, heart, and body become integrated, whole, and free. I imagined coming home to myself.

I began a lifelong journey of radical hospitality and acceptance. I am continually discovering new aspects of my inner and outer worlds that I reject or resist and that need love and care.

In the process of welcoming in my inner and out world, I grow more intimate with my own places of exile and woundedness, I discover a deep well of compassion for the strangeness of others. As I come to know our own compulsions and places of grasping, I begin to offer more love to those in your life who are struggling with places where their own freedom has been lost.

It has become a generous act of love on my part to make space and sit compassionately with the difficult parts of myself, listening to what they really want to tell me.