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Although facebook seems to have taken over alot of conversations, I am guessing some of you may not be on fb,or if you are, may have missed this very important exchange. I wanted to include Phiya's first post, but am a bit daunted by technology and am afraid I will somehow erase the below - so those on fb can look it up - if anyone wants to read more (and I KNOW the below is very very long, but so worthy of deep reflection). I took the liberty to erase many of the thanks you's and other complimentary comments just to make this a bit shorter.For those on

macrolovers, I had posted earlier Phiya's words in the idea of supporting community. But truthfully, many many ways to create community - the important thing is to relate to others in whatever ways we can.

SpearA recent thread about Macrobiotic counseling prompted me to reflect and write a longer narrative than would fit at the original thread. I offer it here for all those who may be interested. Thank you.***In August of 1995 or 1996, at the conclusion of a teacher’s seminar that I was invited to attend after one of the annual summer conferences, a young assistant distributed a single piece of parchment paper to each participant. The document displayed the familiar seal at the top with Michio’s signature on the bottom, acknowledging completion of “The First Annual Teacher’s Seminar.†Having attended and spoken at a dozen or more of similar events in the previous two decades, I was rather taken aback at the wording when I saw Michio exit the door of the classroom. “Michio,†I called to him, “what does this mean – the First Teacher’s Seminar?†“Ah,†he immediately replied, his hand chopping the air affirmatively, “under the new arrangement!â€This form of “start-in-the-middle†history is an unfortunate reality in this thing we call the macrobiotic community, at once vast and ancient, isolated and new. The long exchange about counseling begins in the middle and therefore does not reference the efforts of dozens of teachers, counselors and administrators who came before. It does not tell the story, for example, of those days when four teachers, one now deceased, met with Michio and offered to give up their total income, their lives and resources together with their unconditional lifetime support to promote macrobiotics and Michio’s inspiring universal dream of One Peaceful World in an effort called Macrobiotics International. The exchange, of course, does not speak of what may have occurred even before the early and mid 1970’s when the groundwork for the East West Foundation made possible the first Kushi Institute curriculum in 1978, in London at the Community Health Foundation – one year before the same curriculum came to Boston. Bill Tara, who founded the CHF and the KI in London told me earlier this week that he plans to add to this exchange as well.The thread also does not acknowledge the thousands of man and woman hours of work in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s that went into designing and implementing a certification program for teachers and counselors, a review board chosen by Michio and Aveline and the myriad of changes and challenges so many of us went through in trying to “enforce†this form of public recognition and credibility at the cost of long time friendships and narrow mindedness on more than a few people’s part, not least of which my own. And it certainly does not speak of the decades many of us spent attending annual Macrobiotic Congresses, both in the US and Europe. Very few of us can say we attended many of these events let alone all of them. These were 3 and 4 day events where committees discussing the very same question -- counseling and fee structures -- met into the night as did other committees pondering our relationship with the other groups, the scientific/medical community, childbirth organizations, governmental bodies, publishers, etc. I have the reports from every one of these congresses should anyone wish to review them, by the way. This all occurred years before the current narrative begins. I do know a little bit about free counseling. In 1968, I started one of the first Free Clinics in the USA, serving as its first director for one year. It later became the center hub of seven similar clinics in other neighborhoods, a model for free health care. That same year, I also founded one of the country's first suicide prevention hotlines -- also a model that was copied -- and it, too, was staffed solely by volunteers. No one was paid. Five doors away from that clinic and switchboard was one of the earliest macrobiotic restaurants in the US where I first encountered miso soup strong enough to make my hair turn grey overnight. Soon after, I studied cooking with a student of s Ohsawa while I was living in Denmark. I worked in her small restaurant in exchange for cooking lessons and macrobiotic meals -- still the best barter of my life to date. It would be another three years before I met Michio.We all know that macrobiotics is not a Kushi brand, nor is the correct practice of it determined in any way whatsoever by how one relates to the Kushi Institute, the East West Foundation (now defunct as far as I know), the Kushi Foundation or any member of the Kushi family through blood or marriage. We all have expressed our eternal gratitude for Michio and Aveline’s life long efforts and it is through our individual expression that these efforts make the most difference today – not in our affiliations. I treasure my memory and relationships with every member of the family who have meant so much in my life. And let us be frank: this powerful icon became a force that is neither a dynasty nor a cult, no better than nor worse off than any of the other names, individuals or groups who were inspired by the earliest teachings of Ekken Kaibara, Sagen Ishizuka, Yukikazu Sakurazawa (later known as s Ohsawa) or their various family members, partners, offspring or students. Sadly, most people currently practicing this amazing way of life only barely know of the last name on this list, having read just a few lines he wrote here and there, but certainly know of s and Lima’s most renowned students, Michio, Aveline, Shizuko Yamamoto, Herman and Cornelia Aihara, Rene Levy and Tomio Kikuchi. From these great pioneers, the earliest teachers and counselors in the 1960’s and 1970s – well before the author of the narrative about counseling had learned to write – and it then created many fine teachers and counselors who have long since severed their ties with the more prominent organizations while continuing their own work and individual self-expressions. I cannot name on all my fingers and toes the extraordinary teachers and counselors who are not going to participate in this discussion here – whether they read the threads or not – and speaking on behalf of this thing called Macrobiotics on their behalf is insulting if not downright childish. Even in the days when the first certification and review board emerged, many of our best teachers chose not to participate yet remain active and precious in their dedication to and understanding of macrobiotics. This is all much, much bigger than a thread, or a congress or a decade or two.I would encourage all to acquire a copy of E. Kotzsch’s excellent history, “Macrobiotics: Yesterday and Today.†Published in 1985, and not perfectly accurate, it’s a great background to our history that needs updating and openly discussed.Social media has extraordinary promise as a means of communicating ideas as well as grave faults at accomplishing the very same goal. No one can hear my tone of voice in this narrative, so projections abound. Where I might be sincere, others may call it condescending. When I am sarcastic and attempt a joke, I might be taken literally and called mean spirited. Such is the nature of the written word. Social media also takes time – like the time it takes to pour through the daily Facebook threads, or to check your Twitter feed or Linked In page for updates. Some people have neither the time nor the inclination to participate, and leaving them out of the dialogue is an unavoidable yet egregious act when a discussion like this ensues. In many ways, we are already preaching to the choir, and if the stats could be read within the bowels of this software, I’d venture to guess not many people are even reading this. I for one would prefer to be in the garden today, or playing tennis, or writing a grant proposal for our next trip to Japan, but alas, I have chosen to respond here to share my thoughts in the spirit of community. And I am one of the luckier ones even to have the luxury during the day to make such choices – and trust me, I count blessings like that every day!“Airing our dirty laundry†in public serves no end but to create bitter feelings and misunderstandings, sometimes transparent as they are when we do go on the offensive. I wrote openly last week that I will sleep well, with deep gratitude for all that I have learned from teachers and students, trying each day to be less arrogant and more understanding, kinder and more loving. And at the end of each day, in self-reflection, I will search for ways to add an ounce more compassion and love into every relationship. Just maybe, by doing so, I will learn to serve others in the best way I can in this great life, with love and humility. Spear

Verne Varona

it's no secret that perception is always relative, but not just relative to our philosophical or intellectual opinions. Very often, and easily overlooked (if not misunderstood, are the emotional aspects of our reactions. In fact, I'd venture to say that how we react, particularly passionate reactions, are actually often based on our own "ghosts" - the voices from our past that haunt us, by former judgment or as the stuff of past conflicts, and make us reactive. If someone has been criticized frequently or has self-image issues and someone implies that they are missing the point of a particular argument, their vigorous defense, from name-calling to brutal criticism, becomes a form of psychological displacement. Often, to their ignorance. They are reacting to their old tapes and the past opinions of others that have emotionally affected them. I see this frequently in many posts and have found myself sometimes reacting in the same way. Despite whatever "commonsense" we have, or a high level of judgment, or intellect, our emotional vulnerabilities always manage to shine through. It's like looking an asphalt parking lot but within the random cracks you see the power of nature that cannot be suppressed and from deep within, a blade of grass emerges to remind us that what appears and the work of industry and commerce might rather be superficial than core. So, this is where the adage of, 'one finger points and three point back at yourself,' applies. The uniqueness and blessing of a so-called free and democratic society allows us to voice our opinions as part of our need to self-express. It's only when we make judgments of others that we run the risk of arrogance and self-righteous. I know this well from personal experience! And, the positive aspect of that is seeing very clearly where it occurs in others. I think we need respect and diplomacy in how we communicate; respect for the experience of others and diplomacy in expressing our own views and not attempting to enforce our opinion as de facto.

Spear Thanks, Verne. To the "heart" of the matter, as you so often go.

Donal Penetrating overview Bill, thank you. As you say, it is all much 'bigger than a thread, a congress or a decade or two'. The calling of macrobiotic practice is so humbly and elegantly expressed in your last thought of reflecting how one can become more loving and contribute this gift to others...by whatever means.

Bill TaraSOME REFLECTIONS ON MACROBIOTIC CONSULTATIONSIn the recent weeks there have been two threads on FB regarding macrobiotic counseling, both started by Phiya Kushi. They drew extensive comment, which is good. The content of Phiya’s posts were: first, the supposition that macrobiotic counseling should be like parenting and therefore free of cost and second a rationale as to why he has reached this opinion. I am writing only because there were inaccurate statements made that I think need to be addressed. I invite anyone with a better memory than mine to chip in. Mythologies start easily and need to be nipped in the bud if we are to learn from the past. I should begin by warning anyone who is not really involved macrobiotics that this note may be of little interest. The issue of consultations in macrobiotic practice is a curious one. It is certainly clear that Oshawa (even though he worked with individual clients) did not perceive macrobiotics as a client/professional system of health care. His intention was more aimed at the goal of individuals educating themselves, experimenting with their diet and way of life and generating the knowledge, skill and experience to heal themselves. This process was seen to be the only way to establish “freedomâ€. It is a lofty goal and (I believe) a worthy aspiration. Most of us who began our studies in the 60’s and 70’s were introduced to this approach. Unfortunately it is also not appealing to most people. By the mid seventies it became apparent that there were many people who were suffering from specific health issues who could be helped by “personal educationâ€. These sessions were aimed at getting people started so they could engage in the education programs on offer and get a “kick-start†in dealing with their specific health issues. It was always assumed that they would attend classes and not simply get a plan. Many macrobiotic students were providing these services and established their counseling credentials by word of mouth. Life skills such as cooking, exercises, shiatsu and do-in, basic health concepts and self-diagnosis were the tools of macrobiotic education. Phiya states that in 1984 people were giving counseling services in their homes and in coffee shops (which I am sure happens still) but fails to mention that in Europe and North America there were many counselors who were running efficient and effective macrobiotic centers with full service facilities. Phiya’s frustration with his own experience is understandable but many others were setting up effective counseling services without any organizational or financial support. When the first Kushi Institute program was inaugurated in London it was not intended as professional training. Michio, Aveline and I discussed the Instutute as a way to provide some of the education of the study houses in a large urban environment. The purpose of the program was not to create counselors but to stimulate personal transformation. The students were not expected to aspire to be counselors but simply to improve the quality of their lives. The first level three program, which was offered in London, was entirely devoted to self-reflection.The biggest change in macrobiotic counseling came after the publication of Tony Sattilaro’s book, Recalled by Life. After counseling with Denny Waxman and experiencing remission, Dr. Sattilaro wrote about his amazing experience and opened the floodgates for macrobiotic counseling. This was an event that macrobiotic organizations were not prepared for. Macrobiotics became associated with curing cancer. Michio saw this as the way that our philosophy could be proved valid within society. One of the issues that grew out of this event was the fact that there was no definition of macrobiotic practice and no way that it was possible to show if a macrobiotic practitioner had simply attended a week-end workshop or had studied more extensively. The Kushi Institute Teacher Certification Board was created to clarify this question.In 1981, Michio chose a group of his students that included Bill Spear, Denny Waxman, Murray Snyder, Olivia Oredson and myself who had more extensive practical experience in teaching and counseling to review the qualifications of applicants who wanted to be associated with the educational principles of the Kushi Institute. Some saw this process as potentially disruptive since it could be perceived as a stamp of macrobiotic approval for an individual (which was not the intention). Some students who had studied with Herman Aihara on the West coast didn’t feel the need for Michio to say if they were “valid†or not. Some students simply never applied and went their own way with notable success (hello Verne Verona). The main point here is that the focus of macrobiotics shifted away from general teaching of life skills and onto “professional training†– the age of therapeutic macrobiotics was born. By the definition of macrobiotics that existed with Ohsawa this poses a problem. People started to come who were not interested in making the transformative changes that lie at the basis of macrobiotics but did want the benefits of following macrobiotic dietary principles – what to do? The community choose to serve the sick and hope that some would pursue the study. Phiya is unaware of the many conversations that take place and have taken place over the years regarding counseling practice at the international macrobiotic congresses and teachers meetings over the years. I frankly do not care if people charge or don’t charge for their services, whatever works on that front is fine with me. To assume that giving free services is the key to spreading the macrobiotic message (whatever that may be now) is questionable. I view it that way from experience, not because I am “narrow-minded†and certainly not “because it is a possibility I have not heard ofâ€. The first consultations and study offered at the Self Help Centre in London, where the Community Health Foundation was born were free. There are hundreds of people who teach cooking, counsel and coach those interested in changing their lives and seek better health. Some of them charge high fees, some of them charge low fees, and most of them give away their services when they feel there is a need. It is not an issue that determines the growth of the macrobiotic movement. The only things that will effect the growth of what we do are the integrity of our service and effective and practical communication of our beliefs.Phiya has cast himself as the noble wandering monk who is fighting against the evils of the past and money in particular. It is an attractive image if someone else is covering the expenses - my landlord is not so forgiving. While there are many issues regarding macrobiotic education that can be addressed - the “you old guys don’t know what you are doing†routine only serves to create separation when it is not backed up by extensive experience. One last word and others will, I am sure, comment further. The idea that social networks provide an answer to whatever problems may exist with macrobiotics is, in my view, absurd. Social networks thrive on information that is often out of context and lacks the responsibility of personal presentation. I can create a completely false persona on the inter-net if I want and communicate any amount of non-sense with complete impunity. Phiya recently posted, “social change happens at the speed of conversation†not really. Social change happens through hard work and perseverance. That’s what us old guys think.

Spear Thanks, Bill. I appreciate these comments and am grateful that you weighed in here as well as on the Macrobiotics page where I posted my own missive less than an hour ago. See you soon.

Verne Varona It's great to hear your voice here, Bill. Your points are very clear and bolstered by the foundation of your experience, wisdom and subtle sense of humor. It all makes me think of that Churchill quote that he made on the floor of the Parliment: "Gentlemen: there are two reasons for everything: a good one, and a real one." Cheers.

Matt Struve

very insightful Bill, thanks for taking the time. I felt awkward after commenting on his second thread, before reading the first one and realizing its margins."It is an attractive image if someone else is covering the expenses - my landlor...d is not so forgiving." exactly! agree. Money was never the problem. How wisely it's used is another matter.As far as your last word... I'll definitely comment further about a point I disagree with. Sure, you can create a false persona online, but any con can do the same offline almost just as easily. In my humble opinion, anonymity shouldn't discredit a communication platform. Social networks 'also' thrive on information that is often IN context (like your above note for instance) and can responsibly 'connect' someone to said personal presentations that might have never happened otherwise.Something to consider: http://bit.ly/nTHiMC [it's a image]And I mean to say this very respectfully... To think the idea that social networks "dont" provide an answer to whatever problems may exist with Macrobiotics, is in my view, absurd. Many movements are thriving more than ever as a result of leveraging them. New startups for example, require practically zero capital to begin advertising successfully to the entire world in one shot. In the right hands and with the right vision, these networks can very effectively be used in the right way.Of course they are not the sole answer to anything... but I believe they will [inevitably] play a massive role toward kushi's vision of (as you said) "individuals educating themselves, experimenting with their diet and way of life and generating the knowledge, skill and experience to heal themselves." Youtube in specific.But it's not like I need to point this out... you have a website (with video). The broader internet as a whole has is a social network we already use as an answer to various problems. My point is that they are evolving our ability to communicate

and communication gives birth to the hard work and perseverance required for social change.

Meg Wolff Great valid points, thank you, Matt.

Meg Wolff ‎"The only things that will effect the growth of what we do are the integrity of our service and effective and practical communication of our beliefs." Bingo.

Katya Korneychuk

I just wanted to add my personal experience to what Matt has commented about social networks.For over a year I attending a macrobiotic school here in Austin (spent thousands too). Though I was surrounded by the community, I never once heard... about the old guys like Bill Tara, Lino Stanchich, Carl Ferre, or Kaare Bursell. It was years later I found them myself thanks to social networks. And all of them provided in-depth answers to the long list of questions I had.I just wanted to give my experience as an example. If it wasn’t for the internet and social networks, I might not have ever read their articles, reviewed others opinions, ordered their books or benefited from all of the insight I received. The internet is sufficiently powerful to change people’s health and lives. We should think about that.Please see Kaare's youtube channel. Matubu Chronicles. http://www.youtube.com/use​r/Mobuku1If more of the old and new guys offered their wisdom in this way… imagine what could happen!!

SachsWhat a breath of fresh air. Thank-you, Bill. From another old guy, I would like to add that when macrobiotics became more strictly defined in the minds of the public as a diet, more specifically the "Cancer Prevention Diet" (the actual title of one of Michio's books), much of the other essential lifestyle changes were seen as somewhat irrelevant. To eat a macro diet without exercise, without meditation or at least some ongoing process of self-reflection, without a social network of support creates for many a recipe for disappointment and failure. Another factor in my mind was also keeping macrobiotic diet in its Japanese incarnation, something that many counselors over the years have emphasized - hence not putting macrobiotics within the culture and terrain of where it has surfaced.