We face a difficult challenge in our lives. Many of us have forgotten how to live in balance and harmony with the world around us. We have become accustomed to life in a world that places more value on material possessions than on respect for others and for nature that surrounds us. The voices of fear and desire drown out our inner voice of harmony and spirituality. How can we get back on the right path — the path of balance, harmony and respect?

We can begin with prayer and the spiritual practice of living with nature. Our wise elders found a way to help us get back on the right path — the path of balance and respect. They created the medicine wheel as a place of healing and purification and prayer. The wheel symbolizes the sacred circle of life and the connectivity of all people, wildlife and nature.

The medicine wheel is created by placing stones in a circle. In the center of the circle is a cairn of stones representing balance. Then spokes, or lines of rocks, radiate from the center to the four directions — east, west, north and south — reminding us of the need to balance all four aspects of our being: spiritual, emotional, physical and mental. When these four aspects are in balance, we experience health and happiness. When they are not in harmony, the outcome is chaos and disease.

Through prayer and meditation, we can connect with our true inner self, and the Creator will show us the path of life — the path of balance, harmony, and respect.

I made a small medicine wheel at the outer edge of our south lawn, overlooking a small stream that flows from a living spring about 70 yards to the north. Mine is made with a circle of small stones about three feet in diameter, with the traditional four spokes of small stones crossing at the center. I made a cairn of several stones at the center of the medicine wheel for balance.

I have a small stone bench about 10 feet from the bank of the stream, so I can sit on the bench in the quiet beauty of nature, contemplate the medicine wheel in front of me and hear the stream of water flowing below. It is a sacred and peaceful place for me to pray and center myself in nature with my Creator, the Great Spirit who is always present. I go there to pray and meditate whenever I feel the need to restore balance, harmony and respect.

It works.