Introduction In Aboriginal teachings, the medicine wheel is sacred because it represents the various components of a healthy and whole individual. Like wellness, the medicine wheel represents an “active state of health in which an individual progresses toward a higher level of functioning, thereby achieving optimal balance” (as cited in Fain & Lewis, 2002, p. 7). The medicine wheel is divided into four main sections, each representing an important part of a person (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual). To achieve balance in your life, you need to analyze each of these components and work to improve communication within yourself. Intrapersonal communication is vital to the development of self-concept and self-esteem, which in turn contributes to better communication and interpersonal relationships (Beebe, Beebe, Redmond, & Geerinck, 2008). Therefore, it is crucial that a person has a “genuine sense of value [in themselves],” before attempting to develop an understanding of another person's life (social decentralization) (Beebe et al., 2008, p.47) . This article will serve as a means to evaluate my intrapersonal communication in each of these four categories, using the medicine wheel described in Mussell (2005). By doing so, I hope to gain insight into how to improve my intrapersonal communication in every aspect of my life, which, in theory, will contribute to a greater ability to communicate with others (interpersonal communication). Physical Assessment and Self-Understanding According to Mussell (2005), a healthy physical component consists of adequate “oxygen, food, water, rest, exercise, sensory stimulation, safety, and security” (p. 116). I would describe the physical component of my Medicine Wheel as progress... middle of paper... Balanced approach: Incorporating the teachings of the Medicine Wheel into the care of Aboriginal people at the end of life. Journal of Palliative Care, 26(1), 34-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.cyber.usask.ca/docview/749642674/fulltext?accountid=14739Fain, N.C., and Lewis. N.M. (2002). Wellbeing: the holistic approach to health. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 94(2), 6-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.cyber.usask.ca/docview/218194038?accountid=14739Loiselle, M. & McKenzie, L. (2006). The Wheel of Wellbeing: An Aboriginal Contribution to Social Work. Retrieved November 7, 2013, from http://www.stu.ca/~spirituality/Loiselle.pdfMussell, W. J. (2005). Warrior-caregivers: Understanding the challenges and healing of First Nations men. Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com.cyber.usask.ca/lib/usask/docDetail. action?docID=10185133