Because I work with folk traditions, I think often about medicine wheel concepts from various cultures. Medicine wheels are simply illustrated models for understanding the world around us. They are maps to help us find our way.

In those old world ideas, anything that helps us feel more at ease, less dis-eased, is considered medicine. Here's a personal wheel I created that illustrates things that soothe my mind, body, and spirit; things that create an environment where I might experience healing. 

Earth: South: Physical: grounding, keeping close to the earth with barefoot running shoes

Air: North: Mental: suspending between heaven and earth in a hammock

Fire: East: Spiritual: connecting with others while gathering around the hearth

Water: West: Emotional: cleansing while walking on water with my stand up paddle board

These may or may not align with various traditional models and merely represent my own interpretations. More importantly, the idea is to understand that when we know our own medicines (and when we need to take our medicine), we're better able to reduce our own suffering and get a bit closer to our best selves. In doing so, we likely reduce the unncessary suffering of those around us, too!

Wondering why there are no drums on my medicine wheel? I say music in rhythm and harmony with your inner nature could likely enhance any of these activities out in nature. Like any of my particular medicines, drums are merely tools for connecting our inner selves with the outer world. Perhaps that’s good medicine, too.

What would your medicine wheel look like?