Western society has separated the idea of a person into segments (Shieh, 2002). If one is experiencing physical ailments, then one consults a medical doctor. If one encounters troubles of the mind or emotions, then one confers with a psychologist or psychiatrist. When the spirit is damaged, one might seek religion for spiritual guidance of the soul. Many western philosophers have reinforced this idea by claiming that the “realm of truth” is found by freeing the mind from emotions. Socrates defended this notion, as the ancient Greek view promoted that the mind was the “rational part of the soul (Brook & Stainton, 2002).”

Rene Descartes acknowledged that the mind and body are separate entities. In his Meditations, Descartes wondered, “Am I so dependent on body and senses that I cannot exist without these (1641)?” Emotions and feelings have an impact on the mind, however, these, according to Descartes, are due to the desires of the body. Like his philosophical predecessors, Descartes wished to be solely a “thinking” being because emotions and feelings obscure evaluative thinking. Consider his famous quotation, “I think, therefore, I am.” In Descartes’ opinion, the fact that he thought was the basis that he existed as a person. Does he suggest, then, that he is not a feeling being? According to the quote, it becomes apparent that he does. Several non-western traditions would oppose Descartes philosophy because they emphasize that a person should not be divided into parts. Webster defines holistic as “relating to or concerned with integrated wholes or complete systems rather than with the analysis or treatment of separate parts (2004).”

I was so drawn to Horsman’s application of the theory of the “whole person,” I wanted to further explore the philosophy behind it. The First Nations’ medicine wheel explains the “four realms of human existence” (mind, body, spirit, and emotions) (See Appendix I). Different tribes interpret the medicine wheel in various ways. For the Plains Indians, the body is located in the north of the medicine wheel. The animal that represents the north is the deer, which symbolizes kindness and gentleness. The color of the north is white. The mind is found in the east. The eagle of the east represents new beginning. The color of the east is yellow. Spirit is positioned in the south. The buffalo, which signify abundance, are the animals of the south. The color of the south is black. Emotions are arranged in the west. The bear is the symbol of the west because of its propensity towards introspection. Red is the color of the west. In order for the “whole person” to function, these four elements must be balanced (Thunderbird, not dated).