A Book of Balance - by Lucas Buchholz (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

2025 NAUTILUS BOOK AWARDS GOLD WINNER

"A Book of Balance should be read by every architect, engineer, manager, leader, and anyone with authority in the creation of our modern world... Everyone can benefit from this book and the ancient wisdom it offers." -- Garden Marcus, author of How to Grow

We all need answers for how to live our best lives. We want to settle our souls.

For centuries, the Kogi have lived in seclusion in Colombia's remote Sierra Nevadas, known as "the heart of the world." Now a few emissaries from the tribe have emerged to bring an urgent and loving message to the West--advice on how to live in harmony with the earth.

Lucas Buchholz was invited to their home to receive and transcribe this message and guidance. A Book of Balance takes us on a journey into a startlingly beautiful landscape and into a sacred fireside circle where members consider key questions, including:

What Did You Plant? What Did You Harvest?How Will We Pass the Knowledge On to Our Children?What Does It Mean to the World That I Am Here?

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.

A beautiful book to own, to share with friends, and discuss in community. For readers of The Book of Hygge and Ikigai--books that bring the wisdom of other cultures to our own.

Review Quotes

2024 Gold Medal in Enlightenment/Spirituality -- Living Now Awards

"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