Moai formation
(okanowan “meeting” for a common cause)
This is a two step process by which you develop SISU (Finnish concept “fierce resiliency”) and start the process to understand UMBUTU (Xhosa/Zulu concept “I am because we are”)
Step 1
This consists of a day long workshop at the Burton Creek Farm and Nature center. The usual number of participants is 4-10, minimal age is 18 and we recommend spouses, parents, and significant others train in separate groups. The curriculum is taught in an outdoor setting. Small group interaction and self resilient skills are integrated with nature related activities.
Step 2
The first rule of step 2 is that you do NOT have to participate in step two. Step one provides enough information to allow you to “immunize” yourself against the loneliness epidemic. Step two involves forming a “moai,” it is the “secret sauce” that insures these skills are sustainable. The Red Thread staff will help organize and provide a curriculum framework to the moai, but the goal is to form a self sustaining group. A typical meeting lasts 2-3 hours and usually includes; check in circle, shared information or presentation, group activities, time for light refreshment and socialization.
SISU Development
(Finnish concept “fierce resilience”)
Everyone experiences life’s “ups and downs” and at times seeking medical advice or counseling may be necessary; however, for the vast majority of people this is neither necessary or desired. Red Thread offers small group workshops where “tools of resiliency” are taught. These are teachings congruent with “mainstream” medical practices, but are greatly enhanced by exercises and protocols that are backed by recent advances in neuroscience and numerous wisdom traditions. These tools help “immunize” you against many of the mental and physical challenges encountered in today’s society.
Understanding Umbutu
(Xhose/zulu concept “I am because we are”)
This training can be combined with SISU, but is best studied in depth if your goal is to eventually teach other the skills we offer. Connection skills are embedded into our DNA, but modern society and technology have allowed them to deteriorate. Red Thread allows you to reconnect to these innate skills using “bottom up” learning (neuroscience term) otherwise known as “Coyote Learning” (Apache tradition), you connect by “doing.” You will learn how to embody four concepts that bridge ALL cultures by understanding that individual, society and the planet are ALL linked. When any one of these is ignored the individual, society, and the planet ALL suffer.
These concepts are:
- Umbutu (Xhosa/Zulu) – connection
- Ikigi (Japanese) – purpose
- Haunta (Lakota) – movement
- Hara Hatchi bu Me (confusus concept) – Take only what you need