Our program curriculum revolves primarily around the ideas of interpersonal neurobiology, the intersection of spirituality and science, and using neuroplasticity, mindfulness, slow life, authenticity, imagination, community, etc. all as a path toward integration  and the unfolding of each Fellow from their own unique blueprint into their authenticity - deepened and informed by their past rather than limited by it.

Our work is heavily influenced by Dr. Dan Siegel, Peter Block, Mathieu Ricard, Dr. Norman Doidge, and Dr. Michael Merzenich, among others. - thought leaders and innovators from the fields of neuroscience, happiness studies, and the structure of belonging and community.

We are inspired in particular by an arena of science called "interpersonal neurobiology", which pulls together ideas from the fields of psychology, complexity theory, relationship studies, affective neuroscience, social neuroscience and social cognitive neuroscience. Recent studies in this field have proven the neuroplasticity of the brain - the ability we all have to reshape the architecture of our brains throughout our lives, no matter our history.

In Strongheart, we teach our Learners how to take advantage of the ability of the brain to "rewire" itself - through specific scientifically-grounded techniques that build the integrative fibers of the brain and ultimately lead to the ability to operate with more compassion, wisdom, flexibility of thought, imagination, courage, connection, and resiliency.

Concurrently we expose our Learners to new ideas and information to open their minds to the wider world, giving them a greater field of possibility and resources with which to shape their own paths and meet challenges in their lives, their communities, and our collective world. In all of our work, we focus on asset-mapping and strength-based learning, recognizing and building on the already considerable inner resources that our Fellows have previously demonstrated in their lives.

Additionally we focus on teaching and practicing self-sustainability for our program and our Fellows through products and services that resonate with our individual passions, collective interests, and community needs.

Learning Circles

Much of the work of Strongheart is done within the structure of Learning Circles, a group of two or more people who meet regularly over a specified period of time to "focus their different perspectives into a common understanding of an issue or problem."  The "circle" is an ancient organizational structure that generally connotes a meeting of equals and honors the principles of equal participation, mutual respect, and reciprocity. It is particularly helpful as a mechanism for organizing and honoring the collective wisdom of the group, where the hierarchical boundaries are flattened to encourage participation, team leadership, a sense of ownership by all, and innovative thinking without inhibition. 

Even though it is built strongly on the ideals of equal participation, the Learning Circle concept recognizes that there are individuals with a more in-depth understanding of specific material and with vast knowledge that is of great value to our Learners. Strongheart Learning Circles are facilitated by Learning Circle "Guides", who offer their wisdom and deeper understanding of the subject matter during the Circle.  Guides are from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and can be located anywhere in the world - from a Village Elder who comes to share local history to a world-renown neuroscientist joining us via Skype to talk about concepts of brain development and mindfulness.

Learning Circles can be comprised of a single Learner and one Guide - or many Learners and several Guides, depending on the subject. As mentioned, Learning Circles can be conducted face to face or virtually depending on the subject matter.  The actual format can involve a variety of activities: dialogue, questioning, instruction, group or individual reading, research, film study, and hands-on learning among others. In some cases, activities may evolve more from the Learners' questions or the answers they've discovered for themselves - or by the Guide's more indepth knowledge of the subject. In all cases, the values of curiosity, participation, and openness to new information & wisdom are encouraged and embraced.

Our Learners study crucial skill-building in Learning Circles that are called Foundationals. Beyond the Foundationals, our Learning Circles can be divided into three Curriculum Spheres:

• Self Awareness
• World Awareness
• Intersection of Self in the World

Examples of Learning Circles include:

• Academic Assessment - Learners are assessed in literacy and math skills and an individual learning journey is planned for each Learner to address areas of concern, most immediately focusing on tools for daily life including clock and calendar reading, understanding of money, vocabulary, and verbal & written communications. These assessments and learning plans are made with online assessment and education programs such as Let's Go Learn used by many US-based private educators.  Each Learner will have their core academic needs met in various ways, depending on their age and education levels; they may go to the local high school or learn from a private onsite or online Learning Circle Guide in a specific area that they need to have bolstered.  (FOUNDATIONAL)

• Fast ForWord - This Learning Circle is presented with the support of Scientific Learning Corporation, founded by renowned neuroscientists Dr. Michael Merzenich, Dr. William Jenkins, Dr. Paula Tallal, and Dr. Steven Miller.  Based on extensive research, certain auditory and mental exercises have proven to be highly effective in strengthening brain fitness. This Learning Circle utilizes FastForWord, a system of software programs that incorporate these exercises, created by experts in the fields of education and neuroscience; brain plasticity; auditory, developmental language, and reading impairments; psychology; behavioral algorithms; and multimedia technology. The Fast ForWord program strengthens brain processing and literacy skills through developing and strengthening memory, attention, processing rate, and sequencing— cognitive skills essential for success. (http://scilearn.com)  (FOUNDATIONAL)

• Mindsight - This Learning Circle focuses on the development of "Mindsight", the capacity for insight and empathy. Based on the work of Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, this Learning Circle teaches the Learners about the ability of the human mind to see itself: to know one’s own mind and to be able to perceive the minds of others, using interpersonal relationships and internal reflective practices. From learning specifics about the way the brain works to practicing mindfulness techniques that strengthen the integrative fibers of the brain, this Learning Circle is about understanding the way the mind, brain, and body work together and lead to higher thought processes and greater well-being.  When one is able to have the various functions of their brain operate in an integrative way, they gain abilities in enhanced bodily regulation, attuned communication, emotional balance, fear extinction, flexibility in thinking, insight, empathy, morality and intuition.  These abilities are not only essential to an individual person's well-being, but they are essential to humans co-existing peacefully with one another on the planet . (FOUNDATIONAL)

• EMDR - This Learning Circle is conducted by a trained EMDR therapist both privately and in group session, focusing on using EMDR, a very effective information processing therapy originated by Dr. Francine Shapiro, a Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute, Palo Alto, California. EMDR, a front line treatment for trauma throughout the world, is extremely well-documented to assist in the processing and healing of traumatic experience.

• Management of Time and Personal Environment - This Learning Circle includes organizational skills such as time management, making calendars, organization of personal items and information but will keep in line with the Strongheart philosophy of slow time, interconnectedness, and being present.

• The Story So Far: Personal Narrative and Individual History Studies  - A crucial piece of Strongheart, "The Story So Far" Learning Circle will allow each Learner to focus on examining their individual, cultural, and genetic history - their "comprehensive life story" - and turning it into a personal narrative that they then document and share. Research by Scherto Gill and The Guerrand Hermes Foundation for Peace illustrates that as individuals mold their personal narrative, they are able to create unity and coherence from life's disorder, allowing a self examination that will positively impact future decisions and lead to growth.

• Global Studies - This is a collection of Learning Circles that includes an overview of many different aspects of our planet & cultures. Areas of study include:
• Geography - This Learning Circle focuses on guiding our Learners to a basic understanding of topography and learning cities, countries, continents.
• World Religions - This Learning Circle is designed to help our Learners gain an appreciation for and understanding of the myriad of religious practices throughout the world.
• World History - Including the history of ancient cultures and history through the eyes of all parties.
• World Cultures - A study of the richness and diversity of cultures across the globe, including their foods, traditions, language, and arts.

 

• Social Venture/Entrepreneurship - This Learning Circle is devoted to helping each Strongheart Fellow master crucial real world skills to create their own exit strategy from poverty and address important needs within their communities and the larger world.
  • By studying "conscious capitalism", which focuses on the idea of "doing well by doing good", Fellows will learn to find opportunity in the intersection of their own personal interests and greater good for others. Fellows will focus on creating business ventures which generate income and improve the human condition.
  • This Learning Circle will cover all aspects of entrepreneurship - from product or service creation to branding, production, advertising, and merchandising.
  • An excellent example of this is Strongheart Fellow Lovetta Conto's Akawelle necklace, which combined commerce and compassion through a necklace made from bullet shells discarded from the Liberian civil war. The necklace raised funds while also allowing her to share her personal story with millions across the world (via O Magazine, BBC, CNN International, etc), resulting in raised awareness of issues faced by refugee youth.