The Cultural Wheel
The “cultural wheel” is a concept which describes the various dimensions of culture that shape our thinking and behavior. Developed by Native American medicine man, Sun Bear, it consists of eight spokes or directions, each representing a different aspect of culture. These include the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions, as well as the dimensions of environment, community, ceremony, and communication.
The physical dimension of culture pertains to the tangible aspects of our surroundings, such as the foods we eat, the clothing we wear, and the homes we reside in. It encompasses our physical needs and the way we interact with the environment. The emotional dimension, on the other hand, refers to the way we express and respond to feelings such as love, anger, and joy.The mental dimension of culture encompasses the way we think and process information, including our beliefs, values, and attitudes. It is shaped by our upbringing and experiences, and influences our decision-making and problem-solving abilities. The spiritual dimension is the most abstract of the eight directions, and pertains to our sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves.
The remaining four dimensions of the cultural wheel include environment, community, ceremony, and communication, each of which plays a vital role in shaping our understanding and experience of culture. By recognizing each of these dimensions, we can gain a more holistic perspective on culture and its impact on our lives and society as a whole.
