“Ayeli”: Centering Technique Based on Cherokee Spiritual Traditions

A centering technique called “Ayeli,” based on Cherokee spiritual traditions, is presented as a way of incorporating spirituality into counseling by helping clients identify where they are in their journey, where they want to be, and how they can get there. Relevant Native cultural traditions and meanings are explored, including the importance of honoring personal truths (values), significance of numbers, looking to the Four Winds, symbolism of circles within circles, Medicine, connect/disconnect, and seeking vision. In addition, practical considerations and implications are discussed. The center of the universe is everywhere. —Black Elk, Oglala Lakota Medicine Man (as cited in M. T. Garrett, 1998, p. 185)