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Incredible Movie FAVELA RISING : The Band, Music,Social Movement, 61 Projects, Int...
Favela Rising is the movie about AfroReggae, a band started by Anderson and Junior, two young men of the Brazilian favelas. Favelas are the 600+ extreme poverty communities in Brazil. In retaliation for the murder of four police by favela drug dealers, the police murdered 21 favela residents who had no connection to drug dealing. Anderson's brother was one of the 21. Instead of vengance, Anderson and Junior moved away from violence and drugs to form the band AfroReggae. AfroReggae is now, 15 years later, not only a band, but a social movement for change,with 61 projects and international tours. The power of AfroReggae is in the story of their struggle to create an alternative to dealing drugs and dying young. Their music,dance and message is powerful and tranforming..Youth the world over and people of all ages will be moved and inspired by this film. Beautifully and sensitively photographed, you will never forget the opening aerial views of the endless sea of hundreds of thousands of favela homes. You will never forget the 21 open caskets laid out in the favela. You will never forget the electrifying music and message of AfroReggae, the drug dealing youth with machine guns, or the police brutalizing kids.You will never forget Anderson's surfing accident and the doctors and spiritual healers who worked with him. If I could suggest only one movie that reflects both the impossible struggle and hope for the extreme poor,this would be it. This is the movie to reach the youth all over the world who have no hope for a better life. This shows an irresistible way out - through community, passion, love, and creativity. See also the films Promises, Water,Warrior of the Light, and Regret to Inform. These movies heal hearts and souls, and will heal our world, no less. Sakanta Running Wolf Bell-Gumaer, MS, Metis, Global Peace Global Healing Favela Rising is the movie about AfroReggae, a band started by Anderson and Junior, two young men of the Brazilian favelas. Favelas a... more
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Gross National Happiness
There has been an upsurge in interest in the concept of happiness in communities where you wouldnt expect to find it; According to a Times article, both politicians and scientists are studying the economics of happiness. While scientists attempt to define and measure happiness, governments are trying to use this information to create a happier constituency. Where it used to be thought that money could buy happiness, which led to the pursuit of a higher Gross National Product (or GDP), it turns out that this isnt exactly true. Once people reach a certain level of income where all their basic needs are met, they dont actually become much happier with any additional increase in wealth.
If thats the case, then all underdeveloped nations should still rank lower than developed nations, right? Not necessarily. This is why we now turn our attention to Bhutan, where the people seem to be really quite happy. It was their king who came up with the term "Gross National Happiness. His philosophy is rooted in the Buddhist notion that the ultimate purpose in life is inner happiness, which led him to emphasize such things as environmental awareness, stress reduction, and preserving and promoting cultural values in his country's decision making process. Consequently his goverment have outlawed things such as plastic bags, billboards and traffic lights.
According to Newsweek, countries as diverse as Bhutan, Australia, China, Thailand and the U.K. are coming up with happiness indexes, to be used alongside GDP as a guide to society's progress. Interestingly, according to a second Newsweek article, which lists the happiest and unhappiest countries, though the U.S. is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, it doesnt even rank in the top 10 of the happiest.
There have already been two world conferences on Gross National Happiness, the third, entitled Towards Global Transformation: World Views Make a Difference, is due to take place in November in Thailand. The World Database of Happiness keeps track of scientific research on the subjective appreciation of life. But while scientists and governments try to figure out how best to serve us, it is our job to discover what really makes us happy, so we can all work together to make a happier world.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra There has been an upsurge in interest in the concept of happiness in communities where you wouldnt expect to find it; According to a ... more -
Just Don't Call That Mass Produced, Chain Store Bought, Wizened Foliage Tea
The Daily Mantra finds it amazing what Americans will pour water on and call tea. Even worse are the over-packaged, and over-priced wizened pieces of bitter foliage that masquerade as so-called fine teas, and are sold by some of the biggest names in the beverage world. We recommend you give your taste buds a treat, and invest in some real fine tea. Two of our favorite tea purveyors are Tokyos Lupicia and Paris Palais Des Thés, which both have excellent online stores.
For a simple, yet stunning green tea, try Palais Des Thés Gyokuro, from the Japanese province of Uji. Only the tenderest buds are selected and handpicked for this delicate tea, which, when brewed, is the most vivid of jade greens. If youre looking for something a little more exotic, try their Thé du Hammam, which was inspired by a traditional Turkish recipe; a Chinese green tea base is infused with orange flower water and green date pulp, with red fruits and exquisite rose petals adding a delightful scent and color. For something a little lighter try Thé Des Alizes, a green tea mixed with white peach, kiwi and watermelon, which is refreshing when served either hot or cold. Lupicia also offers some exceedingly good teas. We like their delicately scented Vietnamese Lotus tea, and their two high grade Jasmin teas. Their Jasmin Dragon Pearl tea is made from new shoots thick with white hairs from the Tailao Mountain in the Fujiang province of Japan, and their light and fragrant Chinese Jasmin Chun Hao is a staple in our cup.
While youre shopping, ween yourself off un-eco-friendly (and more expensive per cup) tea bags, and pick up a decent tea pot to brew your loose leaf tea in. Make sure the pot you choose has a removable strainer, so you can take the leaves out before your tea gets over-brewed and turns bitter. Bear in mind, many of the finer teas only need to be immersed in hot water for as little as 30 seconds, depending on the type of leaves. And since all the teas weve recommended have not a hint of bitterness when correctly brewed, leave off the sugar and dont even think about milk. Finally remember, tea is more than a drink; its a ceremony, a treat and a time. Find a china cup you like and savor the moment along with the tea.
Image from left to right: Jasmin Chun Hao, Thé du Hammam, Jasmin Dragon Pearl, Gyokuro, Lotus Tea and Thé Des Alizes
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra The Daily Mantra finds it amazing what Americans will pour water on and call tea. Even worse are the over-packaged, and over-priced w... more -
Breathe Together Now
"You cannot take a future or past breath. The breath is always definitively in the present. Rabia Hayek, Breathe Together
Breathing is something we do often, but rarely well. Its one of the few body functions that can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously. Take time to catch your breath with online communal breathing coach BreathTogether.net.
Breathe Together and sister organization Do As One were co-founded by breath coach and yogi Rabia Hayek. They aim to have one billion people breathing in unison via their website by November 11th 2012, to create a mass consciousness and a universal heart. Their site is a worthy addition to your bookmark bar, offering a quick meditative fix and a reminder that breath is a simple luxury thats not to be taken for granted. Breathe well, with purpose and good intensions, and youll likely be doing it for longer too.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra "You cannot take a future or past breath. The breath is always definitively in the present. Rabia Hayek, Breathe Together ... more -
Peru Shaman
On a trip to Iquitos, Peru to see Macchu Picchu, Kristen Doyle comes across a retreat center in the middle of the Amazon jungle. She decides to take part in a hallucinogenic Shaman ritual, uncovering past lives and getting back to the true essence of humanity. On a trip to Iquitos, Peru to see Macchu Picchu, Kristen Doyle comes across a retreat center in the middle of the Amazon jungle. She d... more
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Spiritual Healing
