“A Medicine
Wheel is a physical manifestation of Spiritual energy. An outward expression of
an internal dialogue”
In
the novel, Landscapes of the Sacred, Lane continues to explore the
perplexity of sacred places, specifically involving the Medicine Wheel, or the “Sacred
Hoop”. The Medicine Wheel is typically used within Native American tribes and
explained through a visual diagram. The diagram assists in developing an honest view for the spiritual
individual, also referred to as “vision”.
Vision allows us to grasp where we are in life (in terms of quality,
happiness, spiritual prosperity, etc.) and, which areas we need to advance in
order to reach our potentials.
The
diagram encompasses a circle that is divided into four equal segments and labeled
according to the direction they point to (North, South, East and West). The wheel starts from the northern segment
(on the top) and read clockwise down the segments, symbolizing the dimensions of
health and the cycles of life.
“As
we grow, we change like the seasons, passing through the sections of the
circle, learning from each.”
The directions themselves can have a variety of meanings. Typically,
they represent the stages of life (birth, youth, elder, death), the aspects of life (spiritual,
emotional, intellectual, physical) or the elements of nature (fire, air, water,
and earth). On the other hand, it is almost universally accepted that the middle,
where all the segments meet, is where God can be experienced.
If I were
to create my own simplified version of a medicine circle, it would be set up as
a circle segmented into the standard four parts. They would be individually
labeled: Emotional, Physical, Spiritual and Intellectual.
My emotional
goal would be manage my stress, hoping to attain skills that will help me
handle stressful situations. I would also like to practice preventing as much
stress as possible (without causing additional stress, of course). For example,
if I manage my time well and do not procrastinate, I can avoid unwanted stress
while cramming for a test the next morning.
My physical
goal would be to treat my body with the respect it deserves. By this I
mean, feed it well, exercise often, don’t forget to stretch and practice other
forms of self-care. Sometimes I have so much on my plate that I don’t have time
to relax and center myself. I have to remind myself to keep my health in check.
My spiritual
goal would be to accept the unconditional love from my higher power. I’m
often consumed with the thought that I’m unworthy of being loved regardless of
my mistakes. Consequently, I reject God and isolate myself from those who I
value most. In order to improve, I must seek guidance from my higher power and
embrace what he has in store for me.
My intellectual
goal would be to practice daily studying and review, instead of studying only
when anticipating an examination. This practice would also include maintaining
full attentiveness during class lecture. This will benefit my mindfulness and
improve my long-term memory.
All in all, the Native American Medicine Wheel can be an excellent tool in order to ground and center one’s self. By listing out personal aspirations and goals, we remind ourselves of the direction we hope to move towards. With the goals in sight, a plan of action can be made accordingly.
It’s not uncommon to veer away from our personal goals now and then. But when one’s aspirations are aligned, they can find themselves in the middle of that circle, where God is experienced. The centering of one's self is the key step to becoming closer to God through a sacred place.
“The center of the circle is the touching of the Spirit, the pure of heart, the truth as everything extends from the circle and everything comes together in the middle.”
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