Design for Living
I was privileged to be part of a recent seminar on the circular economy which was headed by a Danish architect who talked about how we should design all of our buildings, infrastructure and all of our facilities so deliberately for the purpose for which they are intended so that they actually work! Seems obvious
Getting Well and Staying Well
The funny thing about the human body is that it may or may not tell you when something is wrong with it. We twist an ankle, “Oww”, we know it immediately, we have a cold “Aachoo” easy to spot. But for something more serious that you really want and need some warning on, nothing !
Shizophrenics Stigma-Free Under the Roof of Rumah Berdaya Bali
When the conversation revolving mental health is brought to the table, society plates and digests the narrative differently. Frankly in Indonesia, there is still a strong stigma that clouds those who suffer from mental illnesses, particularly created by the more conservative masses. An American study in 2019 noted that schizophrenia is in fact not a
Democracy in Action in Indonesia
Welcome to crunch month, when the country decides who will lead it for the next five years. The debates are over, the pollsters are making money – sorry – predictions and forecasts, everyone has become an expert on government, on the economy, the leaders, the powers behind the thrones, the spouses behind the powers, the
Scholars of Sustenance: Reducing Bali’s Food Waste
Whilst one-third of all leftover food in the world is rotting in landfills, one organisation in Bali has decided to make a change, tackling this global issue at a local, manageable scale with the aim of building momentum and making meaningful impact. “It’s happening,” said Bo Holmgreen, Founder of Scholars of Sustenance (S.O.S), an organisation
Power to the People : Businesses Giving Back to Bali
Community empowerment is quintessential to local development and people are increasingly acknowledging its significance. These community superstars are vital members of the island, champions with a cause. Theses are businesses that don’t just focus on the their bottom line, but the bottom line of those around them, making sure that others benefit from their success
Better Together: Communities Improving Bali Together
When great minds think alike, they create even greater things. In Bali, we believe the communities get together not to build money-making machines, but to form bonds within those who are deserve more attention; to pioneer a movement; to change the face of Bali or the world for the better. We’re positive that there are
40 Years in Bali (Part 1) : First Contact
Ten Years of NOW! Bali but Forty Years of Memories Part I (this is extracted from the speech given by NOW! Bali Founder, Alistair Speirs to the assembled tourism industry at the NOW! Tenth Anniversary Dinner on 13th February 2019 at The Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa) NOW! Bali has survived and thrived for
Tri Hita Karana : Bali Businesses Helping the Environment
The traditional philosophy for life in Bali, Tri Hita Karana, is the “three causes of well-being” or “their reasons for prosperity”. It is a Balinese Hindu lifestyle philosophy that is all about maintaining a harmonious balance between mankind (Pawongan), the environment (Palemahan) and God Almighty (Parahyangan). Not only are local residents expected to abide by
Remembering Bali’s Beloved John Fawcett
In 2017, Bali lost an unsung hero, but his legacy will live on through the lives of his foundation and their patients. Young John Fawcett was an aspiring art teacher; he was a skilful ceramist, a hard worker, but most of all, John was a loving husband and a father of two. His love affair
Bali Sea Salt : Traditionally Farmed Salt Made in Bali
Watch the first episode of ‘Made in Bali’, a mini-documentary series by NOW! Bali, focusing on Bali sea salt and one of its traditional farmers. Bali Sea Salt Farmers Bali sea salt is one of the lesser known produces made on the island. This artisanal salt is not being exported en masse at it continues to be
Freedom in Bali: Too Much Can Be a Bad Idea
Scottish Philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873) first proposed the idea of “personal space” in his treatise “On Liberty”. His idea was at the time very far ahead of current thinking whereby he said that everyone has the freedom to do whatever they wish as long as it doesn’t interfere or disturb anyone else,
Bali’s Extraordinary Exotic Reality
Bali will always be an enigma. A juxtaposition between sekala and niskala, the seen and the unseen or the material world and the spiritual. The reason the Balinese are not always present, a little bit of head in the clouds, is because their mind ponders frequently on their next ceremony. Offerings, prayer, dance and dramas,
