Feel Good Guru

Review by Feel Good Book Guru, Lara Kleinschroth

“Courage has color - it is the weaving of all these colors into a tapestry that reminds us that we are braver than we know and stronger than we ever imagined.  Courage has sound - it comes as a whisper and sometimes a roar.  Courage is the willingness to aspire, reach, and believe in the promise of tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher

Mary Anne Radmacher is an inspirational writer and artist living in Washington State. She conducts workshops on living a full, creative, balanced life, as well as teaching online writing courses (called ON(e)LINE–one on one, progressive sessions, in which she acts as a guide not an editor or critic). (more…)

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What, exactly, is a “green city”? Is the term not an oxymoron? If a green city is an ideal whose time has come, why, then, does it still feel so impossibly Utopian?

My definition of a green city is “a self-sufficient high-density urban area that functions in harmony with nature, where every resource used is renewable, no thing is wasted, zero emissions are released into the atmosphere; and humans and animals are treated with utmost respect.” Nope - no such thing - yet. (more…)

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My friend Martha, a fan of Feel Good Guru in Japan, recently tried sending me some traditional hand-crafted miso from a tiny operation in rural Japan run by the Onozaki family, the oldest and most respected family in miso artistry. (see her video below made special for Feel Good Guru!) It’s the highest quality miso in the world, naturally fermented, traditionally crafted and certified organic, but much to our disappointment, it was sent back due to Canadian food import laws. Bummer! Instead, she sent me two books, “Japanese Foods That Heal - using traditional Japanese ingredients to promote health, longevity & well-being” and “The Miso Book - the art of cooking with miso”, both by John and Jan Belleme, America’s leading experts on miso and traditional Japanese food. I’ve added both these books to my list of new favorites. (more…)

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Had I not been staying, several years ago, in a 17th century French “magnanerie” or silk production workshop, now a gorgeous Provencal vacation home, I may never have been awakened to the dark secrets of sericulture and the plight of the industrious little silkworm…

“For centuries, the walls in here were covered in mulberry leaves,” said our charming host, Bernard Cay-Maubuisson, indicating the thick stone walls of his rustic and cozy living room. I imagine a lush interior garden with climbing vines and ripened berries hanging just so over the frames of his beautifully restored antique art. “And tens of thousands of silkworms munched on the mulberry leaves,” he added with a smile. My thoughts of an indoor Eden are replaced with visions of slimy larvae slithering over the furniture.  (more…)

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“Magical places are always beautiful and deserve to be contemplated. Waterfalls, mountains and forests are all places where the spirits of Earth tend to play and laugh and speak to us.” Wicca from Paulo Coelho’s “Brida”

review by Feel Good Book Guru Lara Kleinschroth

Many of you have read - or at least heard of - “The Alchemist” by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. It is a beautiful, allegorical tale of searching for our own personal legends - our treasures. Since first picking it up a few years ago I have read many other of Coelho’s books. All follow the same simple, honest storytelling style, and many explore similar themes - the search for self-knowledge, love and wisdom. (more…)

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It’s Earth Day, fellow Earthlings, and I find myself wondering what’s a CHUPPIE (Conscious Healthy Urbanite with a Powerful Propensity to Inspire Evolution) to do beyond turning out the lights, turning off the tap while brushing, and turning up the eco megaphone…What are YOU doing to honor your home planet?

Despite staggering statistics and overwhelming evidence that we are destroying all life on Earth, we’re still, for the most part, acting as if we can somehow give back all we’ve “borrowed” at a later, less inconvenient date. But let’s face it. Just like the world banks, we’re greedy and we have no intention of paying our debt to the planet. At least the banks get to restructure. Unfortunately, humanity doesn’t get a bailout… (more…)

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If you can build a fire in your backyard fire pit, or have your favorite nature-loving camper pal to do it for you, you’ve got the beginnings of a magical meal to be shared outdoors with a bunch of your best friends.

Fire, Earth, Water and Air are infused in this communal, beautifully-balanced traditional Spanish dish with an animal-friendly twist your guests won’t soon forget. If you’re a vegan, it’s probably been awhile since you’ve tasted something “smoky” in flavor. Make sure you use untreated wood, something aromatic like pine, and you’ll get the most amazingly rich, Smokin’ Vegan Fire Pit Paella. (more…)

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In a time when people all over North America are losing their homes, super-storms are destroying entire cities, and global warming has become the biggest threat humanity has ever faced, the concept of radical sustainable housing doesn’t seem so radical anymore.

After over three decades of experimenting with self-sustaining eco-friendly homes in the high mesa of New Mexico, renegade eco architect earthship pioneer, Michael Reynolds, has finally found himself in a world which values his vision. Garbage Warrior, an inspirational and timely award-winning doc, tells the story of this 21st century hero who will fan the flames of your off-the-grid fantasies. Watch the trailer below, then get the dvd! (more…)

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Forty-eight hours after watching “What About Me?” at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles, I am still vibrating with excitement. I’m listening to the soundtrack as I write this and can barely contain my enthusiasm.

“What About Me” is a musical meditation around the planet that explores the complexities of human nature, revealing our universal connection through our creativity and our collective insanity. Yes, we’re mad! And we’re fabulous! We’re on the tipping point of an evolve-or-die planet. “What About Me” makes evolution feel within a mere thought or idea’s reach. Flip the switch in your mind and we’re there… (more…)

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What: A brave new show on HBO Sundays at 11pm, produced by Russell Simmons, narrated by Queen Latifa.

What?: A series that follows teenagers from around America as they compete in poetry slams, ultimately vying for the title “Youth Poetry Slam Champion”.

Why you care: These are the voices, the rock stars, the “Brave New Voices” of the next generation. This is the future of America.

How it’s not American Idol: One 16-year-old girl shouts into the microphone, “America! When will we reawaken to our humanity?!” That’s slam, fellow earthlings, and that’s groovin’ with the woowoo.

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I am a free spirit. I am a free spirit hanging from a tree. I am a free spirit sphere dangling in the dense rainforest of Vancouver Island, suspended like a dream-state…handcrafted, untamed…swaying gently, providing sanctuary for souls…

I am Eve, and I am available for overnight rental. I am located just north of Parksville, near the gorgeously serene Qualicum Bay. I have a spirit brother, Eryn, who also provides luxurious outdoor experiences to magical beings. Need I say more?

Oh, I am totally groovin’ with the woowoo!

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