The following contains parts of the (BUSINESS)* PLAN drafted originally in 2015 and updated in September 2021. This is provided to for your convenience, to satisfy some measure of your curiosity (most of the links do not work). More is available; please ask on the Contact form.

* The brackets around (Business) are to indicate this is not intended to be a business — it is a synergistic organism engaged in by diverse individuals and groups all seeking to do better themselves, and together, by creating a community that works for all in an environment of good will, inclusion, abundance of good things, and good things to do. The connection of the OhGs hearts of communities around the world create something exponentially more.

Our Heart Gardens – “OhGs” (Oh Jeez!)

Prepared by: Shannon McArthur

Executive Summary

Business Overview – Products/services offered

Company History

Vision and Mission

The OhGs Vision

Mission & Social Benefits

Management

Vision Holder – Shannon McArthur

Goals & Objectives

2.0 Market Research

Industry Profile and Outlook

Local Market

Keys to Success

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

4.0 Operations – Site Specific

5.0 Finance – Site Specific

6.0 Appendices

16 GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Foundations of Cultural Mentoring

Program Details

The Beauty Way Prayer

Historic Updates

Update: June 2021 by Shannon McArthur

Executive Summary

A new kind of social facility in communities around the world, Our Heart Gardens are (to be) networked communal organic gardens sowed indoors by an urban community where individuals and families build friendships, share knowledge, traditional wisdom, and good healthy food. Everyone is welcome to drop-in to work, laugh, and learn; earn community contribution credits so that their efforts can be exchanged for meals, produce, and/or bus tickets. Participating groups (e.g. the local food policy council) and aid organizations (i.e. Big Brothers/Sisters; immigrant, family and children’s services, etc.), provided with dedicated space, help participants receive the help they need and want, education and support. Entertainment, education, and food for thought is shared in gathering areas in person and on big-screen monitors connected internally, civically and globally via the Internet.

Benefits of consuming good-quality food and gathering together in community are increasingly well-known, and encouraging cooperation rather than competition can help us all individually, as well as collectively. While varying levels of expertise will be needed in many areas, efforts are made to ensure there’s something for everyone to do, and everyone is welcome.

OhGs provides a synergistic alternative for life as we know it. Similar iterations of the community gardening aspect of OhGs exist (organizations like The Stop Food Bank, Green Bronx Machine, etc.) but none identified combine indoor gardening with everyone working together without the exchange of money while sharing/learning/teaching culture and knowledge, nor do currently-existing organizations maximize the potential of multiple agencies and artisans, etc., located within repurposed buildings linked both by transit (people come and produce goes) and the internet (enabling a worldwide network). Organizations such as homeless shelters, community outreach, recovery centers, and service agencies who partner with OhGs can combine efforts, and be better able to reach their target market, people in need of the services they offer.

Environmental crises, the need for locally grown food, and the emotional need for human connection between different classes of people require us to develop a different method of feeding our families and communities. This will provide a kind of year long, fair-like experience, harvest festival &/or farmers market – and it allows people to learn to give and take in a community experience.

A combination of hydroponic and traditional indoor gardening practices provide meaningful work, reduced water usage and the healing scent of rich earth. While indoor hydroponic gardens have the benefit of using up to 90% less water and effort, they bypass the benefits of the smell of fertile earth which has been shown to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and clinical depression in just 15 minutes – and the benefits last all day.

Marketing strategies currently under consideration include a highly visible physical location accessible by community transit, internet (connects a growing network of like-minded people and organizations through Facebook, Zoom, YouTube, Humanity Rising and OtherNetworks), radio, TV, newspaper and magazine coverage, partnering with universities and Indigenous tribes, and support from City Councils in the form of grants, connections, tax exemptions, water, etc. Clients of participating service agencies and word of mouth by participants, volunteers and social media are also valuable methods of attracting participants.

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society operated a facility with many OhGs aspects – services, classes, good work, food and bus tickets. In operation for more than a decade, they were an established part of the residential community in which they were located, and on a bus route. That facility was closed to consolidate their staff closer to the population they serve.

Resources required for establishment of an OhGs include a team of local founding individuals and organizations including financial and legal professionals, city counsellors, and dedicated volunteers, such as retired master gardeners, indoor garden designers, home economists, teachers, computer operators and marketers. A method of ledger economics that allows people to do time sharing/equalization/trade is recommended (i.e. SEEDS). Also required are financing /agreements, a location and modification of the building(s) as necessary, equipment, and people from the community with time available.

All that being said, it must be noted here that the underlying intention of the entire project is to create, in our shared reality, hearts of the One We Are, the Child of Gods (Mother Earth and Father Sky) prophesied by many manifestations of the Power that empowers All That Is. Whether one believes this, or not, doesn’t matter. If you exist, you are part of it, as everyone has been throughout time. Crow Surgeon’s performance art pointed out Mother Earth’s gift of healing that lives in fertile soil. Covid 19 has taught us a new respect for each others’ personal space. The breakdown of our economic systems offers us the opportunity to create places in buildings not used as they were before. It is time to learn new ways – OhGs, let’s do it together!

Business Overview – Products/services offered

Making it easy for everyone to be Part of The Change we want to see in the world, we work together to grow good food, nourish families, and use the knowledge and techniques of successful communities of the past, combined with current technology, to provide meaningful useful work, food sovereignty, community, healthy living and craft skills, knowledge, entertainment, safety and enjoyment for all. Longhouses in traditional Iroquois villages provide a template of how to include everyone and do more with less.

Seeding and transplanting crops (especially cattails, see Keys to Success) for the indoor garden, and to be planted in the community, along with maintenance and harvesting of on-site crops is undertaken by drop-in participants who receive “Community Credits” redeemable for meals &/or produce, opportunities and/or bus tickets. Helping do OhGs work, they learn new skills and traditional knowledge; gain experience and socialize with others, create bonds and strengthen the invisible bonds of community. Parents work with diverse other people while kids are cared for by elders, aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters.

Initial funding is through grants and donations. Once in operation, people who can will pay fees; flats of seedlings and produce sold; artworks created on-site marketed, with proceeds split between the artist and OhGs; other methods of funding at the discretion of the OhGs location’s Council of Administration.

Company History

The initial concept of OhGs was sparked in Shannon McArthur when employed by the City of Surrey, BC, through a realization of the limitations of civic government to respond to the needs of their wide range of citizens. There is a rising awareness in people everywhere that something different is required.

An introduction of the idea on social media resulted in a lot of encouragement; they said “It sounds like Utopia!” The website is up (ourheartgardens.com), and we have a presence on Facebook. Shannon is a member of the Kamloops Food Policy Council. In 2014 she met with Venture Kamloops, the economic development branch of the City of Surrey and was instrumental in the creation of the Butler Urban Farm, a 6000 sq.ft. communal community garden across from the Food Bank in Kamloops. This Business Plan was the next step, along with reaching out online and meeting with interested parties. Shannon is a member of Ubiquity University’s Humanity Rising and moderates the HR AfterChat, working with Stan Pokras, Joy Gilfilen and Ian Lewis. They presented Standing Up with Purpose on Humanity Rising.

The OhGs logo, created by Shannon McArthur, depicts people with their heads together, sharing their sparks of brilliance (crystal shards) to create together something (a forget-me-not) to be remembered. While creating a logo wasn’t intended in its creation, it’s the perfect OhGs logo!

Click here to hear the story of how it was created.

At the 2015 Community Innovation Lab in Kamloops, an impromptu introduction of the OhGs concept evoked a spontaneous standing ovation.

United Earth expressed interest in Our Heart Gardens so Shannon McArthur went to Rotterdam to investigate the possibilities and returned with new knowledge. A year there did not result in a viable establishment so she returned to North America to investigate development of a network of locations.

The concept of OhGs being connected by creative travelers on the highways was developed through Shannon’s personal travel from Kamloops to the southern United States four times and back, and north to Haida Gwaii and back in 3 years. Meeting other traveling creative craftsmen, artists, healers and entertainers gave rise to an awareness of how the challenges of life on the road sap their inspired brilliance and energy, when it could be better used in sharing their gifts. Selling their gifts in solitary fashion is outside the capacity of most travelers, though their gifts are invigorating, welcoming, desired and needed for freshness in communities. The ancient traditional Chautauqua now being presented by Paul Magid is a perfect example.

Vision and Mission

The OhGs Vision:

There are already thousands of Our Heart Gardens in existence that do not recognize themselves as such. Most do not see they are part of something more, or the possibilities inherent in a larger vision.

Life on our planet is changing. In fact, it has changed so much it needs to change more. OhGs encourages a change for consideration and mutual enjoyment, conscious and careful behaviour toward each other, the Earth, and all living beings. Encouraging loving behaviour within our communities leads to healing; and thriving, energised relationships between people, plants and life itself. In OhGs we transition intentionally from ‘nature is for the use of man’ toward working with and learning from Mother Nature and learning to live together in balance and harmony with each other and our only Home /Planet.

Looking at communities as an integral living system, a network of self-sustaining community gardens is something like the hearts of an earthworm; sustaining our own communities while healing and learning to work together, and with Mother Earth, we spread Her goodness and the goodwill of people to meet the needs of all, and create and facilitate interconnection with the rest of the body of Humanity. OhGs is where the concept of value grows away from financial reward and toward a wholesome regenerative way of life.

Downtown and Four Families and the Human Relations Transformation Plan documents provide further elucidation of the concept.

Mission & Social Benefits:

Our Heart Gardens, located in repurposed malls, warehouses and public buildings, become the hearts of our communities, connected by a circulation system of mass transit, highways and internet, revitalizing people with good food, good work, education and entertainment in return for their willing participation. Enclosing communal gardens in living walls within buildings full of fertile earth, allows year-round fresh produce, revitalized air, better use and conservation of water, and locally produced foods that promote natural healing and the health benefits of community. Working and talking together, we heal the traumas of our pasts, and develop and provide good role models for future generations.

OhGs is a place for food policy contributors and community service agencies to synergize. Together, we enjoy abundance, and include more people in the solution to build strong, healthy and happy individuals and communities.

OhGs proposes to engage two new roles: Harpers and Social Argonauts who work together to support the development of their vibrant human communities. Harpers, introduced by Anne McCaffery in her Pern novels, are responsible for education and entertainment. Social Argonauts, a concept of Stanley Pokras, are explorers of the internet (searching for the Golden Peace) who support individuals in their community to engage with the people and resources available in this new virtual land.

Together in OhGs, we meet the personal, intrinsic needs of community, dignity and food sovereignty for people who drop-in to help cultivate fresh food in indoor and outdoor organic gardens — all year-round.

Acknowledging the efforts of people who have already developed gardens for the good of their communities, we reach out to include them so the size and character of the power of people can be seen and activated intentionally. Sharing best practices and stories of the Magic in Ordinary Moments (MOM), we educate and uplift each other and respond to needs and desires.

By building a working community together, we get stuff done and learn to replace the doctrines of competition and scarcity with cooperation and plenty. We are creating unique places to develop a new culture of social interaction that honours our Ancestors and our Planet, enhances our present existence and beautifies the lives of our children’s children’s children’s children…

Management

The Business Affairs and Community Management of each Our Heart Gardens location will be done by an Administration Council nominated and elected by participants and contributing agencies, through Sharing Circles in which the opinions of everyone are listened to, considered and respected.

Vision Holder – Shannon McArthur

Building centers like this requires people of heart with the intention to pull their community together. It is not like building a commercial facility – it’s about growing a community from seeds already present, like encouraging mycelium to grow through desert sands.

Shannon McArthur, of British/German/Scottish/Irish descent, began as an only sister to an only son, and by 9 years old had received an impossible promise from Spirit that came true 40 years later. Subsequent synchronicities (aka miracles) include revelation of the OhGs plan, a Promise of Peace from Mother Earth written in stones, and the inspirations of MOM & POP, the Power of People. She is talented with words and gifted with vision. This is part of her story:

The idea of gardening together germinated in the garden of my grandmother, the matriarch of our family.
I learned to speak in public first from my mother, selling jewelry at home parties. She was highly successful and, while I was 10-15, she built a network of sales-women throughout the Interior of BC that I was thrilled to help support. She then became a realtor.
ToastMasters taught me more about public speaking and, using those skills at the 2014 Kamloops Got Talent, I was one of the finalists with the poem “Crow Surgeon”, one of the inspirations for OhGs.
Minor clerical positions paid the bills but were unfulfilling. A Business Management college diploma resulted in a career in Surrey City Hall but damaged my health. I know the cost of working for a living; I experienced how the system takes care of us – I “awoke” and healed.
While working at Surrey City Hall, their Official Community Plan was reviewed and improved. I had been diagnosed with Clinical Depression; increased medications resulted in a breakdown that tore my roots out. In a year of living alone and attending a weekly Sweat Lodge in Surrey BC, I learned from Indigenous Elders (Old Hands and Alannah Atley) to honour Mother Earth, do beeding and handicrafts.
Moving back to my hometown to assist my mother, I volunteered at Open Door’s Garden Gate Organic Garden, a community garden dedicated to assisting people with mental illness. Weaned off medications, I started my own business and became so busy I felt I had to stop volunteering. It became clear volunteering wasn’t the problem and I closed the business. I learned that, for me, cash doesn’t cut it and there are real benefits and joys in working with others, unscheduled, for ‘nothing’. Turns out, I’m not so different after all. In a TedTalk about motivation, career analyst Dan Pink explains that working for pay doesn’t motivate people the way we expect it to, and how a different approach can change the world.

I’ve been fascinated with Indigenous culture since my Oma read to me from The Adventures of Hiawatha. Inspired by their naming practices, I accepted “a name that means something”: SonLight Sparkling on the Waters. An online course from the Shift Network, Indigenous Wisdom for Compassionate Living and Unified Action by Chief Phil Lane Jr. has led to and enhanced many experiences.

In 2015, a breakout room in Scilla Elworthy’s online Rising Women Leadership Jumpstart course gathered half a dozen women who have continued to gather weekly to share gratitude and support each other through the events of our lives, especially during the Pause.
Editing transcripts of Jon Young’s Village Builders, a course he developed over 30+ years, taught me about cultivating a connection with nature, and mentoring to create resilient communities. Important to the success of communities in general, nature connection is an integral part of OhGs, so finding, welcoming and engaging people like Jon Young is a key to best practices.

In Spring 2015, I presented OhGs to the Kamloops Food Policy Council, which has guided food production in our area for more than 20 years. Their commitment to their projects, the work they’ve put in and the work they choose to do is inspiring. They have expressed interest and I hope to ground OhGs in my hometown.

The use of an acre of land across from the Food Bank in North Kamloops was gifted by Butler Auto & RV to the community. I was able to help when needed – the organizer (Glenn Hilke, JUMP) was called out of town and I found gardening skills resurfaced naturally when needed.

Working online with United Earth, I helped create their website and the 2015 Conference of Movements, COM21 in juxtaposition to COP21. Invited to co-host the conference, I went to Europe for the first time and when I left, I was invited to return to be part of an intentional community, Synergy Hub 1.0 Rotterdam.

We were unable to retrofit the buildings, and with language and culture challenges, I decided to concentrate on sharing QiGong The Beauty Way, a program I designed to blend the Eastern martial art with Navajo philosophy.

A year later I returned to Canada, bought a van and traveled with a couple of members of Synergy Hub to film gardens and interview members of intentional communities along the “spine of North America”, the Rocky Mountains. When we parted ways, I continued developing ties with people living in the Four Corners area, Taos, Crestone, and Arizona.
I traveled back and forth from Kamloops 4 times in 3 years; flew south to Guatemala to visit Mayan ruins and drove north to Haida Gwaii with my mother, a pilgrimage to her birthplace, to which I was welcomed by Raven, Bear and Whale, one each of the three animals carved on top of every Haida Welcome Totem Pole.
When the Pause began I was visiting my mother, and stayed for 8 months in her seniors community. I live with a retired teacher of Aboriginal students and the Baha’i faith; writing, working online and traveling.
It is my soul’s desire to create the OhGs network.

Legal Structure

In Canada, legal structures could be either a Community Contribution Company or a Cooperative. A Community Contribution Company form is strongly recommended because the ability to sell shares and the requirement for 60% of profit being allocated toward a social purpose are consistent with Our Heart Gardens intentions. Bylaws and operating practices will start minimally and be modified as we learn how to manage the community for optimal engagement and results.

Location

It has been suggested to build one as a model, then duplicate as we repurpose large complexes (malls, warehouses & public buildings) in order that many diverse elements can be brought under one roof. This complements a learning curve, and enables synergy. Small satellite facilities will expand the civic network, allow inclusion of existing urban community gardens and provide neighbourhood engagement.

The first location can become the catalyst for a movement that creates the difference that makes the difference needed in our world – the difference that can change what is, into what is needed.

Assistance from Real Estate Foundations is suggested, specifically asking for help to secure ideal location(s):

Big unused, unwanted buildings with lots of light, room for gathering together and places that can be dedicated to specific uses (ie, hydroponics, aquaponics, computer room, quiet space, restaurant, etc.)
close to a continuing education facility for students’ easy access – engagement of the students in the day to day operations of plants, people and computers will create the easiest successful OhGs creation and provide hands-on practical experience for the students.
On a bus route, especially where other roadways intersect.

Strategic Alliances

Examples include: Kamloops Food Policy Council, Interior Health, Welfare, BC Transit, BC Hydro, Thompson Rivers University, North Shore Business Improvement Association (and other BIAs)

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, Aboriginal tribes (Tribes of the Sacred Heart), cultural groups

Rental agencies, public schools, esthetics schools, clubs, food hub, food bank, farms, grocery stores, JUMP (peer to peer support group), artists, entertainers, speakers, students, artisans, Recovery groups and healing centers.

When available, space could be exchanged with artisans for a percentage of their sales; Re-Makers Space (recyclers /upscalers) could be developed to upscale or repair used items; herbal preparations, etc…

Value Village and Makerspace, Seniors Complexes. Community events. Kamloops Art Party.

Humanity Rising, SINE Network, OtherNetworks.org,…

Professional Advisors

Joy Gilfilen, JoyTalks

Ian Lewis, Life College

Eric Thompson, Convolutes 360

Diane Skidmore, Resident of a UK Estate

Other Resources/Inspirations:

Glenn Hilke, JUMP (Kamloops)

Jon Young, 8 Shields

Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops)

Humanity Rising, Ubiquity University

Jill Zacharias, Tamarack Institute

Marilyn Hamilton, Integral City

Sharon Joy Kleitch, The Connection Partners

Eli Another U, UFHD

Goals & Objectives

Create promotional materials outlining the concepts and structure of OhGs to encourage transition of existing community gardens, facilities, etc., to OhGs’ synergistic, cooperative, inclusive model
Promote (by email &/or presentations) and create affiliation with existing community gardens and facilities
Affiliation – tiers of alignment with the OhGs vision. A list of points that are OhGs characteristics that could provide a self-assessment of alignment…
Update FB Page and invite people to join and learn about OhGs, and create an OhGs in your community
Provide the ability to donate (time, money &/or ideas) for people who do not have an OhGs yet (Patreon?).
Promote through social media to encourage individual awareness, support and involvement
Create and conduct a survey to provide numbers and input for Business Plan purposes, etc.
Look into SEEDS as a community compensation system
Get funding; use crowdfunding or networking options
Affiliation with organizations: like 4H Clubs, Boy/Girl Scouts, Universities, Value Village, grocery stores
Affiliation with people: naturopaths, Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, artists, musicians, internet and electronics experts,
Affiliation with places: Quaaout Lodge, Ranches and Resorts where OhGs kids & folk can exchange/visit
Gather a team including: comptroller and accountant, engineers, advisors, students and Village Builders
Build 1-3 OhGs in Kamloops, including facilities, furniture & fixtures, crops, staff, and participants.

2.0 Market Research

Industry Profile and Outlook

While operating as a garden, OhGs isn’t in the business of selling food. The intent of our facilities is to increase food security and strengthen communities by providing people with meaningful work in a social atmosphere that enables them to share in the fruits of their labour, get to know other members of their community and learn to do things that benefit themselves while helping their community. Also, changing our social behaviour because of Covid 19 is best learned together with the opportunity to share our experiences and perspectives. OhGs is where healing from trauma can be facilitated, with time available to spend peacefully with plants that hold no judgement. There is no competition and no expectation except for peaceful behaviour and willingness to participate.

While parts of the OhGs concept exist elsewhere, nowhere has the synergistic combination been made of bringing the gardens indoors, sharing culture and knowledge, compensation with community credits, drop-in participation by everyone and a global network. While vitalizing each community individually, OhGs will also impact entire cities by the increased use and demand for transit, and the free circulation of people and produce enabled by it. A way to communicate outside of corporate control is vital in these times of climate change and social unrest. The OhGs interconnectivity with other locations around the world provides awareness and response-ability.

Local Market

The entire city becomes local with the inclusion of the transit system in the model, however, initial focus will be on students and all people not fully employed (see Target Market below).

Keys to Success

Local collaboration with Food Policy Council and producers
Funding (Grant applications, crowdfunding/donations, sale of shares, contests, cooking shows)
Communication to target market and on-line presence
Support from University, key government agencies and NGOs
Team of local Elders and people with knowledge of the concept and facilities, growing cycles and planting requirements to provide mentoring and long term planning
Mentors and organizations (including 8 Shields Village Builders program?) for training of key people
Raw materials, staff, supporting agencies and produce – each facility will provide its own
Crops –

Cattails provide great food. Indoor cultivation is good, easy work that will first require innovation and engagement of agriculture students, an opportunity for engagement with local universities and schools. (especially: Thompson River University horticulture program, etc.)

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

The largest challenges to establishment of OhGs are funding and participation. Negative public perception to change is to be expected and must be dealt with in a good way. While it doesn’t seem to fit within this matrix, it should be mentioned as it will be a challenge. That being so, it is said that “Any press is good press.”

Strengths:

A place to come to play in the dirt together; to have fun together; to share our hearts and our food – fresh produce all year through; crops safe from climate crises; fosters cooperation and awareness of abundance – all it costs the participants is effort. And where else can you get a good healthy meal, fresh produce or community credits in exchange for working for a while? People like to feel welcome and a part of things; to help and to be given the time, opportunity and ability to help, especially when there are others to work with. In this day and age, at this time, the world is beginning to recognise the importance of mental well being. OhGs are designed to have a massive, positive influence on personal wellbeing, promoting feelings of security and dignity; inspiring and supporting happiness.

Aid Agencies are mandated to provide their services to people who have difficulty accessing them. With OhGs, as one common location, agencies will have easy access to their target demographic. OhGs will be a popular place where many people, of many types, will choose to spend their time and energy, and be able to access the services designed to help them; a place to heal, share time, culture and knowledge, and learn to get along.

Weaknesses:

The competitors identified above are all limited in their scope, their focus, and their ability to meet the needs of the many. We all have been deeply wounded by everyday life and trust has often been broken. Allowing ourselves to be open to others will be a challenge that many will need help with. This is important to mental health and the health of the community. By coming together we can learn together and face this challenge with love and compassion. Sometimes it’s hard for people to find the time or the inclination to join in. However, in OhGs people will be encouraged to overcome these struggles and, with time, love and persistence the weaknesses will disappear..

Opportunities:

While some organizations and agencies feed the hungry, and others relieve the burdens of being poor in today’s world, satisfying many needs under one roof is the intent of OhGs. While people work and eat together, they can learn traditional skills, listen to lectures, storytelling and current events. Sharing Circles, a tool of Indigenous Peoples, are good for healing, learning and gathering opinions for management purposes. Meeting spaces for clubs and peer groups; artists exhibit their art and their skills, and find apprentices; students practice their new skills. Learning together about other cultures, we define and refine our own culture, hands-on, instead of in school, museums or solo observation. A transit day-trip circuit of distinctly unique OhGs creates a tourist attraction; exhibition of items from museums; pooling of resources to satisfy needs creates more from less, with less waste; people get something good to do, somewhere good to go; mixing all types of people provides opportunities to create bonds that make the community strong.

Threats:

The largest threat we face is the depression and helplessness that has resulted from the lockdown due to Covid 19. Global warming creates weather anomalies that force us to shelter our crops and our people. Furthermore, eating processed foods creates another huge threat to the physical and mental health of the people of the world. OhGs counteracts that threat by providing good healthy food for all through willing participation. The faster OhGs are established, the faster we can address the escalating difficulties in our communities.

6.0 Appendices

16 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FOR BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE AND HARMONIOUS WORLD

The Four Worlds Institute (fwii.net) offers these principles as a gift to all who seek to build a sustainable and harmonious world community. The original document, available at the link above, was created by Chief Phil Lane Jr. in collaboration with Jon Ramer.

The 16 Principles for Building a Harmonious and Sustainable World emerged from an extensive process of consultation with Indigenous spiritual, cultural and community leaders spanning more than two decades. This consultation process began with an historic gathering that took place during the closing days of December, 1982, on the high plains of Southern Alberta. Forty traditional elders and community leaders came together to find a solution to the terrible darkness of substance abuse, poverty, suffering and death that seemed to have engulfed nearly every Indigenous community in Canada and the United States, and to share Indigenous visions and prophecies of the future. Four core principles emerged from this traditional council that became the foundation and guiding framework for extensive development, learning and action in hundreds of communities around the world. These four core principles are:

Development From Within – Healing and development must come from within the communities of people who desire change, and must largely be directed by those people.

No Vision; No Development – If the people have no vision of human possibility other than the one in which they find themselves, they cannot heal themselves, they cannot develop and, ultimately, they cannot survive. Culture is the mother of vision. Developing people need to rediscover the life-preserving, life-enhancing values and insights of their own traditional experience.

Individual and Community Development are connected – The development of individuals and the development of their families and communities go hand-in-hand. Personal and social developments are interdependent.

A great Learning enterprise is required – Learning drives the process of development. People have to learn how to live in the world as individuals, families and communities in new ways that are life-preserving and life-enhancing. Learning is the fundamental dynamic of human development.

PREAMBLE

We speak as one, guided by the sacred teachings and spiritual traditions of the Four Directions that uplift, guide, protect, warn, inspire and challenge the entire human family to live in ways that sustain and enhance human life and the life of all who dwell on Mother Earth, and hereby dedicate our lives and energies to healing and developing ourselves, the web of relationships that make our world, and the way we live with Mother Earth.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Starting from within, working in a circle, in a sacred manner, we heal ourselves, our relationships and our world:

STARTING FROM WITHIN

Human Beings Can Transform Their World

The web of our relationships with others and the natural world, which has given rise to the problems we face as a human family, can be changed.

Development Comes From Within

The process of human and community development unfolds from within each person, relationship, family organization, community or nation.

No Vision, No Development

A vision of who we can become and what a sustainable world would be like, works as a powerful magnet, drawing us to our potential.

Healing Is A Necessary Part Of Development

Healing the past, closing up old wounds and learning healthy habits of thought and action to replace dysfunctional thinking and disruptive patterns of human relations is a necessary part of the process of sustainable development.

WORKING IN A CIRCLE – Interconnectedness

Everything is connected to everything else

Therefore, any aspect of our healing and development is related to all the others (personal, social, cultural, political, economic, etc.). When we work on any one part, the whole circle is affected.

No Unity, No Development

Unity means oneness. Without unity, the common oneness that makes (seemingly) separate human beings into ‘community’ is impossible. Disunity is the primary disease of community.

No Participation, No Development

Participation is the active engagement of the minds, hearts and energy of the people in the process of their own healing and development.

Justice

Every person (regardless of gender, race, age, culture, religion) must be accorded equal opportunity to participate in the process of healing and development, and to receive a fair share of the benefits.

IN A SACRED MANNER

Spirit

Human beings are both material and spiritual in nature. It is therefore inconceivable that human community could become whole and sustainable without bringing our lives into balance with the requirements of our spiritual nature.

Morals And Ethics

Sustainable human and community development requires a moral foundation centered in the wisdom of the heart. When this foundation is lost, morals and ethical principles decline and development stops.

The Hurt Of One Is The Hurt Of All: The Honor Of One Is The Honor Of All

The basic fact of our oneness as a human family means that development for some at the expense of well being for others is not acceptable or sustainable.

Authentic Development Is Culturally Based

Healing and development must be rooted in the wisdom, knowledge and living processes of the culture of the people.

WE HEAL AND DEVELOP OURSELVES, OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND OUR WORLD

Learning

Human beings are learning beings. We begin learning while we are still in our mother’s wombs, and unless something happens to close off our minds and paralyze our capacities, we keep learning throughout our entire lives. Learning is at the core of healing and development.

Sustainability

To sustain something means to enable it to continue for a long time. Authentic development does not use up or undermine what it needs to keep on going.

Move To The Positive

Solving the critical problems in our lives and communities is best approached by visualizing and moving into the positive alternative that we wish to create, and by building on the strengths we already have, rather than on giving away our energy fighting the negative.

Be The Change You Want To See

The most powerful strategies for change always involve positive role modeling and the creation of living examples of the solutions we are proposing. By walking the path, we make the path visible.

These guiding principles constitute the foundation for the process of healing and developing ourselves (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually), our human relationships (personal; social, political, economic, and cultural) and our relationship with Mother Earth. They describe the way we must work and what we must protect and cherish. It is important to stress that the 16 Guiding Principles, as with all life, are in draft. They are not the last word. We have certainly not learned all that we have to learn. New guiding principles will emerge, and new insights about the meaning of the guiding principles we already know will come to light. Consider this an invitation to dialogue.

The Four Worlds Institute (fwii.net) offers these principles as a gift to all who seek to build a sustainable and harmonious world community.

From 2015, the following is an example of the mindset and philosophy desired to be cultivated in OhGs, designed for nurturing and empowering people. Developing a common understanding promotes feelings of security and inclusion. Jon Young, the developer of the program, is one of the inspirations for Our Heart Gardens.

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Art of Mentoring Leadership:

Foundations of Cultural Mentoring

Learn and apply skills that will support your village, team, or learning community to thrive.

Focal Skills include:

Embodied understanding of the Acorn team mentoring model
Designing and supporting events with the Natural Learning Cycle
Applying Cultural Elements for connection-building
And more.

Who is this For?

If you are a teacher, mentor, therapist, outdoor instructor, elder/uncle/auntie or “extended family” member, or part of a larger learning community or team environment, you will gain skills that build connection and enhance learning for yourself and others. These community facilitation skills are also part of the Bird Language Leaders Layer 3 training.

Program Details

Mentoring – A “Social Technology” for Connection

Learning isn’t just about imparting information. It’s also about creating opportunities for dynamic, engaging connections to form. Before there were the formalized schools and institutions as we know them in the modern era, how did people learn? How is the “human operating system” already hardwired and optimized to absorb experiences and lessons?

The 8 Shields Art of Mentoring model developed through the exploration of these questions. We searched worldwide for universal principles that generate connection-based experiential learning for all ages and stages of life. For over 30 years, we have tested these processes and honed our understanding of the principles that develop connection. These tools enhance team-building, group resiliency and greatly support group facilitation processes.

The Invisible School

Much experiential learning actually happens “invisibly” – through role modeling, storytelling, and the art of questioning, to name just a few of the universal elements we’ve identified. In this way, the Art of Mentoring approach is different than primarily didactic, lecture-based learning models. We go out of our way to intentionally create “sideways learning” processes that impart information and experiences in engaging – and often unexpected – ways.

At our in-person programs, we utilize a powerful team-based facilitation model that weaves behind the scenes to amplify the learning and connections at each event. We call this team model the “Acorn,” based on the amazing invisible potential of an oak tree hidden within the smaller form of the acorn. The Acorn team creates a vibrant tapestry of experiential learning and connection that adds many layers of depth to an event. The Acorn model is part of the “secret sauce” that makes Art of Mentoring events so engaging. The 8 Shields Acorn model can be applied in many team settings, from educational classes to community-based events and more.

Learn the foundational theory and tools of the Acorn methodology in a step-by-step approach through monthly group training calls and online course material in between calls. Additional options are available on a limited basis to apprentice as a “shadow” with a skilled Acorn member at live events throughout the year at selected 8 Shields California events.

Course content is taught in a layered approach that gives participants time each month to embody the mentoring principles through personal reflection and activities, applied community projects, and group discussion.

Topics Include:

Learn and practice applying foundational tools for Connection, Learning & Engagement for community and team settings:
Goals, Theory and Practice of the Art of Mentoring through the Acorn experiential model
Expressing Natural Archetypes in a Team Setting
Foundations of Peacemaking & Community Facilitation skills
Introduction to Applied Cultural Elements

The Beauty Way Prayer

The following prayer was written by Shannon McArthur as a closing for her styling of the classic QiGong martial art practice, fused with the Navajo Beauty Way philosophy.

In the practice, actions listed in the right column are coordinated with the words to the Beauty Way Prayer, in the left column. As you speak, imagine what is in those directions, how they are beautiful, how grateful you are for them, and imagine Who it is you are speaking to…

Thank you Great Mother for the place and the body	Raise your arms wide, shift your weight and step one foot inward; when you say “place”, set your heel. With a turn of your hands, indicate your body.
Thank you Great Father for the Time and the Energy	Raise your arms/hands up and around to above you, look up and embrace the Sky.
Thank you Great Spirit for All That Is…	Lowering your arms wide to shoulder height, palms open and up, include All That Is.
For I walk in beauty before me	Bringing your arms in front of you, direct attention in front of you
I walk in beauty behind me	Holding one hand in place before you, twist to bring the other behind you (eyes follow the hand); look back. Your arms are wide at shoulder height.
I walk in beauty all around me	Keeping your arms wide, turn at the waist to notice, and look all around you
I walk in beauty above me	Raise your arms, untwist, and look above you (the ceiling? sky? stars? infinity…?)
I walk in beauty below me	Lower your arms (the round way) and look below you. Can you imagine the waterways, crystals and mystery far below you?
I walk in beauty in the past	Raise both hands (the short way) to gesture over both your shoulders, palms facing behind you; close your eyes
I walk in beauty in the future	Both arms extend forward, hands palm up; open your eyes
I walk in beauty within me…	Cross your hands over your heart — feminine covers right hand (it is precious) with left; masculine covers the left hand (to protect it) with the right
All That Is, is beautiful and	Sweep your arms down, around and wide to include All That Is; turn palms up to emphasize “beautiful”
All That Is, is within me.	Bring your hands to your heart (same as above)
Blessed be…	Bless yourself with loving intention
Namaste*, Great Mother	Place your palms together at your heart and bow deeply to the Earth
Namaste, Great Father	Stand tall; raise your arms wide and high; face to the Sky
Namaste, All That Is…	Lower your arms the round way to shoulder height; open your heart and say
Blessed be… blessed be… blessed be	Say it in 3 directions (“3 times makes it true!“)
All My Relations!	EveryONE and everyTHING is (in) relation to you!
Aho!	Means “I have spoken” or “Amen” to many Aboriginal tribes in North America and, like Nameste, has now been adopted by many others.
and Ahey… we are on our way… Going forward…	“Ahey” is the feminine form of Aho. Indicate forward with both hands
into the Peace that She Promised**…	fold your hands into prayer position, and breathe…

*Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit greeting meaning “I bow to the God within you”, or “The Spirit within me sees the Spirit in you” – a confirmation of being seen as part of the One Divine Consciousness.

**Going Forward there shall be Peace was the Promise of Mother Earth received by the author.

Historic Updates

Update: June 2021 by Shannon McArthur

Before Covid, this concept was presented twice to city councillors who said it was too big, too ambitious, too hard to do; it was a good idea but impossible. However……….

Impossible things have been happening, perhaps readying our world for OhGs. Embracing the guidance to bring the concept into the world has changed my life for the better; I believe it can do the same for you and for our world.

I am guided by Spirit, inspired by the Moon and in love with Mother Earth. I write about the Divine being active in our lives (MOM, the Magic in Ordinary Moments), OhGs, POP (the Power of People), and We Are One, the Child of Gods. My stories and art are here and on the website: OurHeartGardens.com.

The Covid catalyst rocked our world, and we Paused. We’re developing new boundaries and traditions. My heart goes out to you; I’m deeply grateful for all you do, and have done. Come, when you can, and rest in Our Heart Gardens — we each carry a gate to it in our own heart. The entry fee is willingness to engage in what is needed, with others of your community and communities around the world, as you feel guided.

This document is being updated while remaining true to the original concept as outlined in the OhGs Vision. It has been said that there are already thousands of OhGs. It’s true, there are places that hold similar intentions and networks of them: Damanhur, Global Eco-Villages, Transition Towns… It is from them we learn, and urge the individuals of those places to make videos and/or move between places to share their experiences. The synergy of all the different parts makes this Plan special, and the humour of the offering is undeniable – OhGs! This is the fun part! (To me, that means Spirit is involved and enjoying the time of our lives!) There is something going on in our World; we can’t see how big it is. The Movement hasn’t been visible because nothing has unified them – until this.

Within the womb of a woman, a child’s heart forms first… OhGs, Our Heart Gardens are organelles of cells of the Heart of the One We Are – spread throughout the immensity of our reality. OhGs in our communities pump food and freshness into the individual selves (cells of the Body) of the One We Are, Child of Earth and Energy, Gaia and Sol.

Welcome to words Gaia sent through me, expressed as good as I could.

Love and Peace,

Shannon McArthur aka SonLight Sparkling on the Waters