A Book of Balance: Kogi Wisdom for a Good Life and Thriving Earth

by Lucas Buchholz, Johnny Rey Diaz (Read by)

Overview

We all need help centering ourselves to serve ourselves and our world. In this small, beautiful book, the Kogi—a remote and ancient tribe in the mountains of Colombia—offer their learnings. They pose nine thought-provoking questions to help us live harmoniously with the earth and in turn find happiness and purpose in every moment.

“Just as we are both sitting here and talking, this is how we can live well. All of this you will write in the book.”—Mama Jose Gabriel, a spiritual guide of the Kogi tribe, to author Lucas Buchholz

For centuries, the Kogi have lived in seclusion in Colombia’s remote Sierra Nevadas, known as “the heart of the world.” But in recent years, concerned by the environmental degradation they have experienced in their villages and forests, a few emissaries from the tribe emerged to bring an urgent and loving message to the West—advice on how to live in harmony with the earth.

Buchholz was invited to their home to receive and transcribe this message. A Book of Balance takes us on a journey into a startlingly beautiful landscape and into a sacred space: the traditional fireside circle held regularly by the tribe. In this circle, members consider key questions essential to their community.

In this slim volume of spiritual introspection, they ask us to share in their practice, posing nine questions that focus our minds and hearts on who we are, who we can become.

Throughout we hear the words of the Kogi elders, wisdom that offers revelations, inspiration, and direction for our everyday lives.

A beautiful book to own, to share with friends, and discuss in community.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798874621568
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	05/21/2024
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 5.70(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Born in 1989, Lucas Buchholz works on transformation towards a regenerative economy and society. He inspires, advises, and accompanies organizations that want to consciously place the well-being of people and the planet at the center of their economic activities. One key to this is the wisdom of indigenous peoples. Lucas shows how our modern world can learn from cultures, some of which have lived regeneratively and life-affirmingly for millennia. He founded the organization Living Future, as well as the consultancy re:ground, and is working on a film project. Lucas lived with the indigenous Kogi people in Colombia and is the author of two books.

Johnny Rey Diaz is an award-winning, bilingual, Los Angeles-based actor, filmmaker, and host. Born and raised in Arizona, Johnny is the son of Mexican and Colombian immigrant parents, and a proud first-generation American. He is currently a series regular on Amazon's newest single-cam comedy, Primo, produced by Michael Schur, producer of The Office and cocreator of Parks & Rec and Brooklyn 99. He can also be seen recurring on Pam & Tommy (Hulu) and Grey's Anatomy (ABC). His voice-over work includes commercials, video games, scripted podcasts, and audiobooks, most notably the New York Times bestseller Rain of Gold. He is also an on-camera host for the Tennis Channel.

Editorial Reviews

"A Book of Balance is a conversation that speaks to heart and mind simultaneously. It reminds us that one of the most important forms of activism is to be in heart-based conversations with other people." — M. Amos Clifford, author of Your Guide to Forest Bathing

"In A Book of Balance Buchholz eloquently quotes and interprets the Kogi’s unique ways of manifesting the worldview that guided us relatively harmoniously for most of human history. From revealing the absurdity of arguing to emphasizing the importance of Zhigoneshi- the belief that a healthy world is based on symbiosis and mutualism- he reminds us that honoring the Laws of Nature is a prerequisite for a world in balance." — Four Arrows (Wahinkpe Topa), author of Point of Departure and Restoring the Kinship Worldview. 

“A Book of Balance provides essential natural wisdom from the past to help us live more fully in the present so we can save our planet’s future. These indigenous teachings make for a powerful read.”
— Patrick McDonnell, creator of Heart to Heart with the Dalai Lama

“Reading A Book of Balance is a call to action and a precious gift. Through its queries, we come close to engaging in conversation with Kogi wisdom holders concerning Earth-wise living, while learning to be better stewards of our planet. Stimulating and moving at once, A Book of Balance take us on a magical journey that culminates with a transformative message.”
— Stephanie Rose Bird, spiritual healer and author of Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones and Motherland Herbal

“A Book of Balance should be read by every architect, engineer, manager, leader, and anyone with authority in the creation of our modern world. With a focus on Life and the balance that can exist between all living things, the stories presented are heartfelt and thoughtful. The Kogi refer to us as younger brothers and sisters and I believe, like older siblings, they are looking out for us. Everyone can benefit from this book and the ancient wisdom it offers." —  Marcus Bridgewater, author of How to Grow

From the Publisher