The core RDNA curriculum includes four major areas of focus:

• Regenerative Design
• Nature Awareness
• Ecology of Leadership
• 8 Shield Cultural Mentoring and Core Routines

Regenerative Design

Regenerative Design is a solutions-based approach to creating vibrant ecologies and exuberant cultures that continue to generate a surplus of fertility and vitality for generations to come. Rooted in deep observation, understanding, and knowledge of place, these systems are not only restored to a better, higher, or more beneficial state, but they continue to improve over time.

In RDNA, we emphasize nature awareness through direct sensory experience. We recognize that our senses, minds, and bodies have developed in rhythm with the natural world, and that continual primary contact with nature is beneficial and needed for optimal health and well-being.

When this type of encounter is repeated over and over, day after day, deep connections form between the individual and place. Roots form on an emotional level as a sense of peace, curiosity, and wonder develop. At the same time, a network of new neural pathways in the brain begins to form and the consciousness literally expands to encompass the rich variety of textures, scents, sounds, and images of nature. Lasting memories are formed during this type of deep sensory immersion.

Through both the visceral (hands-on, sensory learning) and the technical (lecture, journaling and research), the RDNA participant will not only increase their understanding of the natural world, but begin to feel like an integral part to the natural community. Read more...

Some of the skills, topics and techniques you'll be immersed in are:

• Naturalist inventory skills
• Sensory awareness expansion and applications
• Journaling and researching
• Awareness of hazards in nature
• Using curiosity as a mentoring tool
• Mammal track identification and natural history
• Low growing plants, identification and natural history
• Basics of ecology and ecological indications and keystone species
• Heritage species
• Woody shrubs and trees, identificaiton and natural history
• Earth living skills – shelter, water, fire, food
• Understanding the language of birds and basic bird identification
• Experiencing and exploring baseline behaviors, tracking and recognizing concentric rings

Study in the Ecology of Leadership
We are nature. We are not separate. The RDNA program engages leadership that arises from an intimate relationship with the natural world. The more our leadership sources from our connection with the Earth, the more effective we will be as leaders.

Our ‘Inner Ecology’ influences how we show up in our lives and our communities. In the RDNA Program, we explore how our thoughts, mental models, beliefs, and the stories we tell – both about ourselves and those around us - affect our life and our ability to make a difference in our family, community, and chosen work in the world. As we understand and evolve our inner ecology, we become more effective at manifesting our dreams.

RDNA participants will develop skills, habits, and mindsets to improve thier effectiveness in areas such as:

• Inner rracking
• Designing your life / ideal scenes
• One-on-one mentoring
• Facilitation & presentation skills
• Spiritual healing
• Effective communication strategies
• Making and honoring commitments
• Project management
• Gaining support for your vision from others
• Using your time effectively
• Bringing all aspects of your life into harmony
• Peacemaking & non-violent communication

By integrating these elements, participants will begin to experience leadership as a dynamic process that translates your awareness and insights - about yourself and the world around you - into effective action towards your intended personal and professional goals.

8 Shields Mentoring and Core Routines

Eight Shields is a mentoring model developed over the last 25 years by Jon Young and his team. The guiding philosophy behind 8 Shields comes from the perennial wisdom of nature, and from the earth-based, cultural wisdom of indigenous elders from around the world who have generously offered guidance and teachings in cultural mentoring and community relationships. Read more...

Learning objectives in each of the four branches of the RDNA curriculum – Regenerative Design, Nature Awareness, Ecology of Leadership and Cultural Mentoring – are achieved through 8 Shields Mentoring and a series of Core Routines. The RDNA Core Routines help RDNA participants create a lively, rich and fun learning village.

Some of the primary core routines are listed below:

• Observation
• Storytelling
• Tracking
• Research & journaling
• Sensory awareness
• Peacemaking
• Mapping
• Bird language
• Deep listening to the land
• Art of mentoring
• Art of questioning
• Applied cultural technology
• Ceremony
• Creative arts & improvisation
• Design
• Practical skill building
• Permaculture principles
• and many more