🛞 The Medicine Wheel: Learning to Think Like the Peacemaker

"We are all relations."

Those four simple words have been echoing in my mind since our recent Way Walking class.

For years I thought the Medicine Wheel was simply a Native American symbol. Now I'm beginning to understand that it is much more than a symbol—it is a way of thinking, a way of making decisions, and a way of walking with the Peacemaker.

Listen to the NEW Dialog Song:   Walk It Around The Wheel

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🌿 Don't React... Walk the Wheel

One of the most important things I learned was this:

When we receive an impression, an idea, a revelation, or face a difficult decision, our first responsibility is not to react.

Instead...

Place it in the center of the Medicine Wheel.

Think about it.

Gather information.

Ask questions.

Challenge your assumptions.

Consider who may be affected.

Then seek confirmation from the Haymenhay.

That was a new thought for me.

Many of us have been taught to ask immediately, "Is this true?"

The lesson suggested an even better question:

"Do I understand this correctly?"

There is a big difference.

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🚗 Even Driving Can Become a Sacred Lesson

This has already changed the way I drive.

When someone cuts me off, my first reaction isn't always my best one.

Lately I've been trying something very simple.

I picture the Peacemaker walking beside me.

Instead of immediately becoming frustrated, I ask:

• Do I know what that person is going through?

• Will my reaction relieve suffering or increase it?

• What response would the Peacemaker choose?

Sometimes that pause lasts only a few seconds.

But those few seconds change everything.

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🌎 We Really Are Connected

One statement from class especially stayed with me:

Everything is connected.

The ancient people understood something our modern culture often forgets.

My choices affect my family.

My family affects the community.

The community affects future generations.

Even choosing not to act has consequences.

The teacher explained that the hoop around the Medicine Wheel reminds us that nothing stands alone.

Every decision ripples outward.

Every act of kindness.

Every harsh word.

Every prayer.

Every sacrifice.

Every moment of forgiveness.

Everything matters.

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🧠 Faith Needs Thought

One of my favorite parts of the lesson was hearing that revelation should not replace thoughtful study.

Instead...

Study first.

Gather knowledge.

Seek wise counsel.

Consider the consequences.

Then ask the Haymenhay to confirm your understanding.

That reminded me of Moroni's invitation to ask God with real intent and of the scriptural pattern to "study it out" before seeking confirmation.

Faith and careful thinking are not enemies.

They strengthen each other.

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❤️ The Purpose Is Simple

The teacher repeated something I hope I never forget.

The purpose of all this is not merely to make better decisions.

It is to relieve suffering.

Every pillar...

Every prayer...

Every ceremony...

Every revelation...

Every act of service...

Should move us toward relieving suffering.

Isn't that exactly what the Peacemaker did?

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✨ Walking the Way

As I listened, I realized that perhaps the Medicine Wheel is not simply a diagram.

It is a description of discipleship.

It teaches us to slow down.

To think.

To pray.

To seek understanding.

To care about how our actions affect others.

And above all...

To remember that we are all relations.

Perhaps that's why the Peacemaker taught us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

When we truly understand how connected we are, those two commandments become one beautiful way of life.

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"Nothing I do is mine alone."

May we all learn to walk the Way with the Peacemaker—thinking carefully, loving deeply, and relieving suffering wherever we can.