Our first principle is: change hurts. In order for new ways to come into being, old ways must die. And that’s good - that’s life. But it’s not easy because of the pain. People - quite normally - will deny and resist truths, defer to authority, jump to conclusions and automatically react in their thinking with mental processes that haven’t changed much for thousands of years. We are essentially monkeys with guns.

Our second principle is that we have to change our own minds willingly and gladly. We must discover for ourselves the whys and hows of such change. This can only be done in the trusted company of others learning with us.

Which brings us to the third principle: we must be the trusted Guardians of a safe, loving space where our small team can learn with us to change the way we think.

Our metric of success is not in changed minds but in changed behaviors. Practical results. Ultimately, we hope to set an example with our changed behavior, and to see results in communities and individuals beyond our immediate project team. Who changes enough to sacrifice their high-consumption lifestyle? Who changes to engage in community efforts? Who else sets an example that others are eager to follow? Who can surrender their old thinking for the future of the world?

While we can share learning in the abstract, we find it much more effective to learn on the job - in the context of a project that holds deep meaning for its participants. So bring your project team or join ours. And get ready for tears of both breakdown pain and breakthrough joy.