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  • Essay / The strengths and weaknesses of my medicine wheel

    IntroductionIn indigenous teachings, the medicine wheel is sacred because it represents the various components of a healthy and balanced individual. Like wellness, the medicine wheel represents an “active state of health in which an individual progresses toward a higher level of functioning, thereby achieving optimal balance” (cited in Fain & Lewis, 2002, p. 7). The Medicine Wheel is divided into four main sections, each representing a major part of a person (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual). In order to achieve balance in your life, you must analyze each of these components and work to improve your communication. Intrapersonal communication is essential for the development of self-concept and self-esteem, which in turn contribute to better interpersonal communication and relationships (Beebe, Beebe, Redmond, & Geerinck, 2008). Therefore, it is crucial for a person to have a “true sense of worth [in themselves]” before seeking to develop an understanding of another person's life (social decentering) (Beebe et al., 2008 , p.47). This article will serve to evaluate my own intrapersonal communication in each of these four categories, using the medicine wheel described in Mussell (2005). In doing so, I hope to better understand how to improve my intrapersonal communication in every aspect of my life, which will, in theory, contribute to an increased ability to communicate with others (interpersonal communication).Physical assessment and self-understandingAccording to Mussell (2005 ), a healthy physical component consists of “oxygen, food, water, rest, exercise, sensory stimulation, safety, and security” (p. 116). I would describe the physical component of my Medicine Wheel as progress...... middle of document ...... Balanced Approach: Integrating the teachings of the Medicine Wheel into the care of Indigenous people at the end of life. Journal of Palliative Care, 26(1), 34-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.cyber.usask.ca/docview/749642674/fulltext?accountid=14739Fain, North Carolina and Lewis. New Mexico (2002). Well-being: the holistic approach to health. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 94(2), 6-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.cyber.usask.ca/docview/218194038?accountid=14739Loiselle, M. and McKenzie, L. (2006). The wheel of well-being: an indigenous contribution to social work. Accessed November 7, 2013, from http://www.stu.ca/~spirituality/Loiselle.pdfMussell, WJ (2005). Warrior Healers: Understanding the Challenges and Healing of First Nations Men. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com.cyber.usask.ca/lib/usask/docDetail. action?docID=10185133