The Medicine Wheel is an ancient symbol used by some of the Indigenous Peoples of land now known as Turtle Island or North America. It is important to note that not all Nations use the Medicine Wheel because it can be perceived as a colonialist structure.

Nations who choose to follow the teachings of the Medicine Wheel do so according to their own teachings that have been passed down to them through their Elders. The core philosophy endures from these Nations—the Medicine Wheel is a sacred circle representing the interconnectedness of all life.

The circular shape of the Medicine Wheel represents the interconnectivity of all elements represented by the Medicine Wheel and helps to remind us of the importance of balance in all aspects of life.

“The circle is part of life. It’s a part of natural law. If you take a pebble and throw it in water, it will create a circle. Birds build their nests in a circle. Powwows themselves take the form of a circle.”

—Chief Tony Alexis

Now let’s look at how the Medicine Wheel can be used as a tool for living, role modelling, and teaching digital well-being.

Among the many meanings attributed to the Medicine Wheel are the four states of being, each represented by a quadrant on the Medicine Wheel.

These are the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental states.

In most Indigenous cultures, balance is emphasized with all things.

Each state of being must be in balance and equally developed for us to remain healthy, happy, and balanced individuals who are of good mind. The Medicine Wheel helps teach us this lesson.

Understanding the quadrants of the Medicine Wheel

Spiritual

Spiritual strength, calmness, and resilience can be reinforced by cultivating healthy relationships and through mindfulness. Spirituality has a different meaning to many and does not have to be attached to religion.

• Deepen your connection to nature.
• Dance, create, or connect to music.
• Give thanks to your Creator.

Emotional

Emotional strength is linked to emotions and our relationships. Indigenous Peoples nurture emotional health and recognize interconnectedness in healthy relationships to all things.

• Nurture relationships and being aware of not harming others.
• Explore your relationship with yourself; seek positiveness.
• Get involved in community.

Physical

Physical strength is believed to be connected to the land and land resources.

• Create healthy routines including physical fitness and relaxation.
• Allow for restorative sleep by night and discover nature by day.
• Prioritize nutrition.

Mental

Mental strength is well-being and wisdom.

• Seek out an Elder and hear their teachings.
• Join community and thought-provoking discussions.
• Learn a new language or musical instrument.

Exploring healthy choices to balance digital well-being

Spiritual

• Practice deep breathing.
• Use medicines to smudge.
• Pray or give thanks.
• Connect with an Elder for spiritual support.
• Connect with nature.

Emotional

• Focus on the task that you went to the technology to complete by limiting scrolling, gaming, and social media.
• Talk with family and friends.
• Being aware of not using digital technology in ways that harms others.
• Find reasons to laugh, or give yourself permission to cry to feel better emotionally.
• Set digital guidelines and discuss your expectations with others for accountability.

Physical

• Practice healthy ergonomics.
• Avoid eye strain—try listening to some content.
• Get outside—ride a bike or walk around the block.
• Stand up and stretch.
• Take regular breaks and respect others boundaries.

Mental

• Set a time limit and schedule for checking social media.
• Limit the number of times a day you check your emails.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications.
• Use do not disturb functions on your devices.
• Try to reduce screen time before bedtime.

Summarizing the Medicine Wheel

In summary, the Medicine Wheel  offers a holistic framework to address and mitigate the negative impacts of our increasingly digitized existence.

You can use the Medicine Wheel to find balance, role model balance, and teach balance for digital well-being.

Expanding your knowledge: Seeking out teachings on the Medicine Wheel

A good place to start is your local Indigenous Friendship Centre, Indigenous Access Centre, or a local First Nations community to find out if there are any Medicine Wheel teachings or customs in your area. Ask if any of these organizations can refer you to an Elder or Knowledge Keeper to deepen your knowledge of seeking balance through the Medicine Wheel or other tools.