What if a solution to climate change was beneath your feet?

Old College Roomies Re-Connect, Produce a Film, & Teach Us How We Can be Part of the Solution.

Watch “The Soil Solution”. Premieres: Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2012 January 27^th at 8:00 am Lobero Theatre & Sunday, January 29^th, at 10:40 am Metro 4 in downtown Santa Barbara.

The Soil Solution, a feature documentary by Carol Hirashima and Jill Cloutier of SustainableWorld Media explores our soil. The fascinating world of soil opens before our eyes as we hear from the ranchers, farmers, and scientists who conserve, protect, and regenerate this valuable natural resource. Hirashima and Cloutier believe that, “Everyone, through their buying decisions, food choices, and farming and gardening methods, affects soil health. Everything that we do to increase soil fertility could be a step in reversing climate change.”

CONTINUE READING

How do we empower women?

Mary Evelyn, a renowned educator of world religions and ecology at Yale University  calls us forward to "awaken to our common origins and our shared futures" and encourages us all to effect change by having the confidence to use our voice.  Mary Evelyn's passion for life is evidenced in her works including Worldly Wonder: Religions Enter Their Ecological Phase (Open Court Press, 2003), Moral and Spiritual Cultivation in Japanese Neo-Confucianism (SUNY, 1989) and The Philosophy of Qi (Columbia University Press, 2007).  Her latest endeavor the film & book, "Journey of the Universe" co-written by Mary Evelyn and Brian Swimme will be featured at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival (January 13-15) in Nevada City, CA.

CONTINUE READING

Give the Gift of Love Instead of More Stuff For the Holidays

By:  Kathleen McIntire

Stop confusing "stuff" with love. Our society seems to be obsessed with the idea that more is better, and we behave as though possessions indicate status and worthiness. During the holidays, those beliefs manifest themselves in the giving of gifts. Doggedly we shop, wrap, and exchange presents with one another...even though (if we're honest with ourselves) we generally find little fulfillment in this tradition.

A lot of our holiday stress is tied to obligatory spending. In fact, many Americans are already stretching their budgets way past the point of comfort. And beyond that, most people we spend money on would breathe a huge sigh of relief if we just stopped the gift-giving madness.

CONTINUE READING

7 Ways to Be an Advocate for Your Loved One with Cancer

By: Britta Aragon If you have a loved one with cancer, you may automatically (or by choice) be placed in the role of advocate. If so, what can you do to be sure he/she gets the best treatments and care?
Your loved one will probably be going through all types of emotions and physical hardships, making your help invaluable as he/she fights to recover. We’ve gathered a few tips here to help make your journey a little easier to navigate. Try not to be overwhelmed as you review this list. Remember to take things one step at a time, and to do your best to continue to exercise, eat right, and get enough sleep. Maintaining your own health is equally as important during this difficult time.

CONTINUE READING

5 Tips to Thrive in Chaos

By: Gloria Feldt

A colleague once gave me a poster bearing the caption: “When you’re up to your a** in alligators, it’s hard to remember your goal was to drain the swamp.” It’s always good for a chuckle…of recognition. Because is there any one of us who hasn’t been there?

In a time of economic and social chaos, when many people are desperately trying to keep those writhing reptiles from nipping off their knees, it’s difficult to keep your eyes on the prize, your focus on the vision, your hand steady to the wheel. But a counter intuitive skill that can help anyone thrive in times of change and disruption is to embrace chaos as opportunity: Carpe the Chaos. (That’s Power Tool #5 of the nine I share in my book No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power.

CONTINUE READING

Lisa Levart: 5 Things You Can Do To Discover the Goddess Within

Lisa Levart is a wonderfully inspired photographer who has published a new book “Goddess on Earth, Portraits of the Divine Feminine.” Robin Parisse caught up with Lisa at Bioneers, and in this interview she shares why she created this book, her inspirations and techniques.

CONTINUE READING