| This dissertation describes and reports the experiences of individuals who participated in a self-assessment process for re-balancing their lives. I refer to the process as "The SIYO Circle." This approach may bring about a sense of re-integrating of indigenous perspectives and priorities in ways that can guide people towards more harmonious relationships with all dimensions in life. It is an adaptation of a Lakota-based medicine wheel traditionally used for maintaining emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual balance in life.;Before colonization, Indigenous Peoples generally lived in balance with nature. They followed natural rhythms and felt connected to all things in the universe. Dominant cultures have lost this balance and the results include social injustices, disappearing eco-systems, terrorism, economic collapse, fragmented families, anxiety, depression, obesity, reflecting an imbalance. The SIYO Circle intends to help individuals regain the sacred knowing that allowed humans to live in relative harmony with their surroundings for tens of thousands of years. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology, I carefully observed and analyzed the participants' behaviors, attitudes, and reported experiences during a SIYO workshop. Each participant in the SIYO Circle workshop shared their experience and identified their strengths and areas they would like to build differently to work towards a sacred balance. Focus group responses point to a rich pattern of emerging minor themes that fit into larger themes that include: Environmental Influences, Inspired Feelings, and Interconnectedness Indicators. My interpretations suggest the SIYO Circle and the Indigenous Wisdom behind it may be a way for all people to regain a sense of physical, mental, social, and spiritual balance. |
