Re: For all macrobiotic beginners, sharers, cooking teachers and counselors...

[Guest guest]

, I feel sooooooooo privileged to read such beautiful words as you share with us. And as a "true macrobiotic" (:>) ) I will stand humbly and disagree with some points. I would not run away from any macrobiotic teacher!!!!!! I would accept everyone WITH A GRAIN OF SALT!!!!!! As I gained more teachers, as I read more, at first (and it may be so with many) I got very confused - who is right? why isn't there just one right way?? why does one person say yes to and the other says no to?? ONLY after much time and thought and realization, it comes to me how we are ALL human and of course, everyone teaches according to their own experience, condition, limitations. There are alot of stages in learning - and because we're all different we do them differently - I guess we look on these sites to see/compare how we're doing with others - to see, oh, my he used electric stove, so I guess I'm ok (hmm, did your Dad ever stop

spraying, what a story!!!!!!!) - some people take challenges better, some people can manage on their own, some need lots of hand holding - I want everyone to know how much I appreciate - I am one of those that take a very long time in learning - and he has been super patient with me as I slowly (super slowly) work through his acid/alkaline course. But Daivd is absolutely right - the only person this entire way of life depends on is yourself - and in the end, only YOU must have patience with yourself (doesn't hurt to have wonderful support, too) and keep going. I would also differ about the fun aspect. Mb is all about yin/yang - which means everything is ok - there will be up/down/ going well and fun, not going well and disease, many interests in life, seclusion and focus only on getting the next meal on the table - I think, I hope, that one always focuses on the lovely things wrote about, about living life to the fullest, but one just

can't jump there - it is a process, and one can't always be successful, one does have to go through some kind of failures sometime, as that's the human condition - the point is exactly as he says, don't give up, go through the hard times and know there's great things awaiting (he speaks from experience, I'm still looking forward to it!!!!!) And sometimes the progress is super super tiny - because of all the discussions here, I am again focusing on chewing more - I realized I hadn't so much, and I thank you all again for putting it back into my life. Also trying once more to do body scrub again - it's something I try, and somehow haven't created the habit, so I drop it, and then try again. My last point of daring to oppose a much wiser teacher than me - those who sat at Micho's feet, not all have disappeared - and yes, I too am envious - and of those who had learned with the greats, including you, I believe, . But we all have whatever we have in

our own lives and have to learn from everything that comes into our lives - most of you know my family definitely does not share my enthusiasm for mb - yet, still, it is what I have and I have long past crying about it - last night my husband cooked chestnuts and we shared them :>) - slowly slowly, to find what we can share with others and yes, to enjoy as much as we are ready to enjoy. It is more challenging when the environment still has lots of temptations, so for me, it may take longer. One of my favorite teachers (I've mentioned her before) Jeanne van den Heuvel from Belgium would often say when we brought up difficulties, challenges, problems in our lives, things we do we felt we shouldn't be - "that's ok" with a lovely Belgian lilt - and when I need strengthing I say that to myself, that's ok!!!! so so happy you're here on the site, . I KNOW you won't even be upset that I wrote what I wrote. Just wish we could meet in person - well,

who knows. Klaramacroamerica wrote: Hello, this is my first post to this group.I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that came today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with others no matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher or counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present classes and opportunities for others to

learn.For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts hererecently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I started this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked in my parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was always worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup was so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle of it and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks. My food tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain, kept saying "Keep going!" One night when I came home from my first real macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and I heard a voisce in my head saying, "You have found something wonderful; don't let it pass you by." Why I listened to

that voice, I still do not know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca cola, and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror when I told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have thoughtDracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years later. No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you begin to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't have the perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have. If you can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge discarded vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us to be super-human, just simply human.When the going gets tough, remember me 35

years ago standing at that electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to tell about it.One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a way that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If you are not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it "imperfectly." In other words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no"one right way" to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says there is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic principles in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If youcan't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the heck is a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles, they are the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best want to apply them in your own life. And all the

whileyou'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my macrobitoic practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up more: more people, not less, are my "family;" more friends, not less, are coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say "thank you"...it goes on and on.If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics, finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing more,finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try tosee if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no matter what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to be and eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking them to give

you.Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had the perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything, within just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished. They flew off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of the "inner circle." They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so envious of them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over time. In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early years when I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups and downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my macrobiotic adventure.There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It continues to grow all the time.I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

blessings.Peace. Briscoe

The fish are biting.

Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing.

[Guest guest]

, I feel sooooooooo privileged to read such beautiful words as you share with us. And as a "true macrobiotic" (:>) ) I will stand humbly and disagree with some points. I would not run away from any macrobiotic teacher!!!!!! I would accept everyone WITH A GRAIN OF SALT!!!!!! As I gained more teachers, as I read more, at first (and it may be so with many) I got very confused - who is right? why isn't there just one right way?? why does one person say yes to and the other says no to?? ONLY after much time and thought and realization, it comes to me how we are ALL human and of course, everyone teaches according to their own experience, condition, limitations. There are alot of stages in learning - and because we're all different we do them differently - I guess we look on these sites to see/compare how we're doing with others - to see, oh, my he used electric stove, so I guess I'm ok (hmm, did your Dad ever stop

spraying, what a story!!!!!!!) - some people take challenges better, some people can manage on their own, some need lots of hand holding - I want everyone to know how much I appreciate - I am one of those that take a very long time in learning - and he has been super patient with me as I slowly (super slowly) work through his acid/alkaline course. But Daivd is absolutely right - the only person this entire way of life depends on is yourself - and in the end, only YOU must have patience with yourself (doesn't hurt to have wonderful support, too) and keep going. I would also differ about the fun aspect. Mb is all about yin/yang - which means everything is ok - there will be up/down/ going well and fun, not going well and disease, many interests in life, seclusion and focus only on getting the next meal on the table - I think, I hope, that one always focuses on the lovely things wrote about, about living life to the fullest, but one just

can't jump there - it is a process, and one can't always be successful, one does have to go through some kind of failures sometime, as that's the human condition - the point is exactly as he says, don't give up, go through the hard times and know there's great things awaiting (he speaks from experience, I'm still looking forward to it!!!!!) And sometimes the progress is super super tiny - because of all the discussions here, I am again focusing on chewing more - I realized I hadn't so much, and I thank you all again for putting it back into my life. Also trying once more to do body scrub again - it's something I try, and somehow haven't created the habit, so I drop it, and then try again. My last point of daring to oppose a much wiser teacher than me - those who sat at Micho's feet, not all have disappeared - and yes, I too am envious - and of those who had learned with the greats, including you, I believe, . But we all have whatever we have in

our own lives and have to learn from everything that comes into our lives - most of you know my family definitely does not share my enthusiasm for mb - yet, still, it is what I have and I have long past crying about it - last night my husband cooked chestnuts and we shared them :>) - slowly slowly, to find what we can share with others and yes, to enjoy as much as we are ready to enjoy. It is more challenging when the environment still has lots of temptations, so for me, it may take longer. One of my favorite teachers (I've mentioned her before) Jeanne van den Heuvel from Belgium would often say when we brought up difficulties, challenges, problems in our lives, things we do we felt we shouldn't be - "that's ok" with a lovely Belgian lilt - and when I need strengthing I say that to myself, that's ok!!!! so so happy you're here on the site, . I KNOW you won't even be upset that I wrote what I wrote. Just wish we could meet in person - well,

who knows. Klaramacroamerica wrote: Hello, this is my first post to this group.I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that came today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with others no matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher or counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present classes and opportunities for others to

learn.For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts hererecently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I started this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked in my parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was always worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup was so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle of it and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks. My food tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain, kept saying "Keep going!" One night when I came home from my first real macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and I heard a voisce in my head saying, "You have found something wonderful; don't let it pass you by." Why I listened to

that voice, I still do not know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca cola, and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror when I told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have thoughtDracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years later. No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you begin to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't have the perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have. If you can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge discarded vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us to be super-human, just simply human.When the going gets tough, remember me 35

years ago standing at that electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to tell about it.One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a way that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If you are not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it "imperfectly." In other words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no"one right way" to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says there is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic principles in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If youcan't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the heck is a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles, they are the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best want to apply them in your own life. And all the

whileyou'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my macrobitoic practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up more: more people, not less, are my "family;" more friends, not less, are coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say "thank you"...it goes on and on.If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics, finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing more,finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try tosee if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no matter what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to be and eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking them to give

you.Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had the perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything, within just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished. They flew off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of the "inner circle." They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so envious of them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over time. In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early years when I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups and downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my macrobiotic adventure.There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It continues to grow all the time.I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

blessings.Peace. Briscoe

The fish are biting.

Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing.

[Guest guest]

, I feel sooooooooo privileged to read such beautiful words as you share with us. And as a "true macrobiotic" (:>) ) I will stand humbly and disagree with some points. I would not run away from any macrobiotic teacher!!!!!! I would accept everyone WITH A GRAIN OF SALT!!!!!! As I gained more teachers, as I read more, at first (and it may be so with many) I got very confused - who is right? why isn't there just one right way?? why does one person say yes to and the other says no to?? ONLY after much time and thought and realization, it comes to me how we are ALL human and of course, everyone teaches according to their own experience, condition, limitations. There are alot of stages in learning - and because we're all different we do them differently - I guess we look on these sites to see/compare how we're doing with others - to see, oh, my he used electric stove, so I guess I'm ok (hmm, did your Dad ever stop

spraying, what a story!!!!!!!) - some people take challenges better, some people can manage on their own, some need lots of hand holding - I want everyone to know how much I appreciate - I am one of those that take a very long time in learning - and he has been super patient with me as I slowly (super slowly) work through his acid/alkaline course. But Daivd is absolutely right - the only person this entire way of life depends on is yourself - and in the end, only YOU must have patience with yourself (doesn't hurt to have wonderful support, too) and keep going. I would also differ about the fun aspect. Mb is all about yin/yang - which means everything is ok - there will be up/down/ going well and fun, not going well and disease, many interests in life, seclusion and focus only on getting the next meal on the table - I think, I hope, that one always focuses on the lovely things wrote about, about living life to the fullest, but one just

can't jump there - it is a process, and one can't always be successful, one does have to go through some kind of failures sometime, as that's the human condition - the point is exactly as he says, don't give up, go through the hard times and know there's great things awaiting (he speaks from experience, I'm still looking forward to it!!!!!) And sometimes the progress is super super tiny - because of all the discussions here, I am again focusing on chewing more - I realized I hadn't so much, and I thank you all again for putting it back into my life. Also trying once more to do body scrub again - it's something I try, and somehow haven't created the habit, so I drop it, and then try again. My last point of daring to oppose a much wiser teacher than me - those who sat at Micho's feet, not all have disappeared - and yes, I too am envious - and of those who had learned with the greats, including you, I believe, . But we all have whatever we have in

our own lives and have to learn from everything that comes into our lives - most of you know my family definitely does not share my enthusiasm for mb - yet, still, it is what I have and I have long past crying about it - last night my husband cooked chestnuts and we shared them :>) - slowly slowly, to find what we can share with others and yes, to enjoy as much as we are ready to enjoy. It is more challenging when the environment still has lots of temptations, so for me, it may take longer. One of my favorite teachers (I've mentioned her before) Jeanne van den Heuvel from Belgium would often say when we brought up difficulties, challenges, problems in our lives, things we do we felt we shouldn't be - "that's ok" with a lovely Belgian lilt - and when I need strengthing I say that to myself, that's ok!!!! so so happy you're here on the site, . I KNOW you won't even be upset that I wrote what I wrote. Just wish we could meet in person - well,

who knows. Klaramacroamerica wrote: Hello, this is my first post to this group.I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that came today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with others no matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher or counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present classes and opportunities for others to

learn.For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts hererecently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I started this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked in my parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was always worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup was so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle of it and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks. My food tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain, kept saying "Keep going!" One night when I came home from my first real macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and I heard a voisce in my head saying, "You have found something wonderful; don't let it pass you by." Why I listened to

that voice, I still do not know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca cola, and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror when I told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have thoughtDracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years later. No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you begin to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't have the perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have. If you can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge discarded vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us to be super-human, just simply human.When the going gets tough, remember me 35

years ago standing at that electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to tell about it.One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a way that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If you are not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it "imperfectly." In other words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no"one right way" to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says there is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic principles in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If youcan't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the heck is a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles, they are the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best want to apply them in your own life. And all the

whileyou'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my macrobitoic practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up more: more people, not less, are my "family;" more friends, not less, are coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say "thank you"...it goes on and on.If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics, finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing more,finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try tosee if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no matter what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to be and eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking them to give

you.Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had the perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything, within just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished. They flew off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of the "inner circle." They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so envious of them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over time. In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early years when I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups and downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my macrobiotic adventure.There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It continues to grow all the time.I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

blessings.Peace. Briscoe

The fish are biting.

Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing.

[Guest guest]

, that was lovely. Thank you.

Interesting how things work...I just recieved several old copies of East

West magazine last week and one of them was from January 1983. I read both

yours and your mother's article in that issue and then you joined several

days later.

Glad to have you here!

xoxo...

For all macrobiotic beginners, sharers, cooking

teachers and counselors...

> Hello, this is my first post to this group.

>

> I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that came

> today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,

> anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with others no

> matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher or

> counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present

> classes and opportunities for others to learn.

>

> For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts here

> recently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I started

> this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked in my

> parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of

> insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was always

> worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup was

> so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle of it

> and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.

>

> One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks. My food

> tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain, kept

> saying " Keep going! " One night when I came home from my first real

> macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and I

> heard a voisce in my head saying, " You have found something wonderful;

> don't let it pass you by. " Why I listened to that voice, I still do not

> know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca cola,

> and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.

>

> Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror when I

> told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have thought

> Dracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro

> friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years later.

> No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you begin

> to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't have the

> perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have. If you

> can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can

> afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge discarded

> vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us to be

> super-human, just simply human.

>

> When the going gets tough, remember me 35 years ago standing at that

> electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to tell

> about it.

>

> One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a way

> that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If you are

> not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it " imperfectly. " In other

> words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no

> " one right way " to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says there

> is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic principles

> in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for

> yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If you

> can't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the heck is

> a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles, they are

> the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best want

> to apply them in your own life. And all the while

> you'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life

> itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....

>

> One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my macrobitoic

> practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up more:

> more people, not less, are my " family; " more friends, not less, are

> coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my

> attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say " thank you " ...it goes

> on and on.

>

> If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics,

> finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing more,

> finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try to

> see if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no matter

> what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to be and

> eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking them to

> give you.

>

> Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and

> practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had the

> perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything, within

> just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished. They flew

> off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of the " inner

> circle. " They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so envious of

> them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over time.

> In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early years when

> I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups and

> downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my macrobiotic

> adventure.

>

> There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It continues to

> grow all the time.

>

> I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.

>

> I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant blessings.

>

> Peace.

>

> Briscoe

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

and ,

I loved both of your posts thank you so much. Each of you has had

such a lovely impact in my own journey. , I'm sure you don't

remember but one time we were talking on the phone and both of had had

some interest in the same guy and I asked you something about cooking

and I was so proud of how I'd been cooking pure macro food. You made

a comment on my beans like " What no vegetables in the beans " and I

felt a little sad but it totally inspired me in that moment to get

creative. It never stopped and I've never forgetton the wonderful

bits of wisdom you gave me several times. We are all influencing

folks for the better much more than we think just being us. So often

someone will come up to me at the Co-op or Real Food Daily and tell me

they took a cooking class of mine or read an article and it really

helped them and it's been years and years... We are all teachers and

students. Thank you all.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I just want to clarify for those who don't know me that when I was married

> to my husband I was very active in the macrobiotic field, teaching,

> developing programes, helping those with serious health problems and

> writing. I actually started way back in the 80's. I also ran a study house

> for many years as well as having my children. My story/post relates to the

> past 7 years and it is interesting how things can change but I do believe

> that life only gets richer and deeper like a well aged wine!!!

>

> Blessings

>

> Re: For all macrobiotic beginners, sharers,

> cooking teachers and counselors...

> >

> >Hi

> >

> >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It has made me

> reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated from my

> husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few friends kept

> in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly with my

> neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat sheltered life

> especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got married very

> young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I spent 12 years

> either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I managed to buy

> my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking macrobiotics

> for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there but I found

> it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A good

> friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an overnight

> thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

> therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa called

> Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks of life.

> The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic. I felt

> nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given massage for many

> years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5 years now.

> >

> >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was incredible support

> for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought I had so

> much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt that I

> didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the wrong thing

> and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept on cooking

> and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area. At first I

> thought the area where I live outside Philly was very conservative and that

> there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby. However, I was

> surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think once I opened

> myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different group of

> friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of like mind

> although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of natural

> food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when a new

> person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my friends

> and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very well

> received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the macrobiotic arena. My

> brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends who are

> spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking classes again

> last year having decided that even if one person came it would be wonderful.

> My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my students as they

> do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at one time I

> felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed with the

> opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the summer

> conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

> >

> >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the time when

> Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live in

> Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended up

> visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the macro

> programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill Tara and

> also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time taking in

> all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than ever and it

> made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful things can

> happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align with

> blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to remember a

> lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth, joy and

> gratitude.

> >

> >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years may have

> been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative, more

> accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are tremendous

> and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that around every

> corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

> >

> >Have a beautiful Wednesday

> >Blessings

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Brown Waxman

> >www.celebrate4health.com

> >www.bebabywise.com

> >info@...

>

> Brown Waxman

> www.celebrate4health.com

> www.bebabywise.com

> info@...

>

--

Food Coach Marque

" Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

www.Marque.com

[Guest guest]

Hi

Gosh! I do remember that conversation now but never made the connection to you -

fortunately my interest in that particular gentleman never went beyond

friendship - lol!! I am sorry if I came across so strong with regards to your

cooking but I am totally impressed that you have taken it to such levels. If I

remember correctly that was right at the beginning of your macro. journey.

By the way where do you live? My daughter Madeline who is 21 lives in San Diego

and I mentioned you yesterday and she wanted to know.

I never cease to be amazed by life and the connections we create or have without

even knowing. I think it is important during the down times to remember that we

are still receiving positive vibrations through thought and love from others

even if we aren't aware of it on a physical level.

Have a beautiful Friday

Re: For all macrobiotic beginners, sharers,

>> cooking teachers and counselors...

>> >

>> >Hi

>> >

>> >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It has made me

>> reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated from my

>> husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few friends kept

>> in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly with my

>> neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat sheltered life

>> especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got married very

>> young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I spent 12 years

>> either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I managed to buy

>> my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking macrobiotics

>> for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there but I found

>> it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A good

>> friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an overnight

>> thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

>> therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa called

>> Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks of life.

>> The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic. I felt

>> nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given massage for many

>> years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5 years now.

>> >

>> >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was incredible support

>> for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought I had so

>> much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt that I

>> didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the wrong thing

>> and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept on cooking

>> and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area. At first I

>> thought the area where I live outside Philly was very conservative and that

>> there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby. However, I was

>> surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think once I opened

>> myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different group of

>> friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of like mind

>> although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of natural

>> food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when a new

>> person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my friends

>> and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very well

>> received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the macrobiotic arena. My

>> brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends who are

>> spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking classes again

>> last year having decided that even if one person came it would be wonderful.

>> My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my students as they

>> do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at one time I

>> felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed with the

>> opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the summer

>> conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

>> >

>> >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the time when

>> Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live in

>> Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended up

>> visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the macro

>> programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill Tara and

>> also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time taking in

>> all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than ever and it

>> made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful things can

>> happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align with

>> blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to remember a

>> lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth, joy and

>> gratitude.

>> >

>> >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years may have

>> been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative, more

>> accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are tremendous

>> and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that around every

>> corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

>> >

>> >Have a beautiful Wednesday

>> >Blessings

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> > Brown Waxman

>> >www.celebrate4health.com

>> >www.bebabywise.com

>> >info@...

>>

>> Brown Waxman

>> www.celebrate4health.com

>> www.bebabywise.com

>> info@...

>>

>

>

>--

>Food Coach Marque

> " Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

>www.Marque.com

>

Brown Waxman

www.celebrate4health.com

www.bebabywise.com

info@...

[Guest guest]

Thanks ! I live in Santa . Yeah, who knew back then I'd

be doing this now....

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi

>

> Gosh! I do remember that conversation now but never made the connection to

> you - fortunately my interest in that particular gentleman never went beyond

> friendship - lol!! I am sorry if I came across so strong with regards to

> your cooking but I am totally impressed that you have taken it to such

> levels. If I remember correctly that was right at the beginning of your

> macro. journey.

>

> By the way where do you live? My daughter Madeline who is 21 lives in San

> Diego and I mentioned you yesterday and she wanted to know.

>

> I never cease to be amazed by life and the connections we create or have

> without even knowing. I think it is important during the down times to

> remember that we are still receiving positive vibrations through thought and

> love from others even if we aren't aware of it on a physical level.

>

> Have a beautiful Friday

>

>

>

> Re: For all macrobiotic beginners,

> sharers,

> >> cooking teachers and counselors...

> >> >

> >> >Hi

> >> >

> >> >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It has made

> me

> >> reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated from my

> >> husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few friends

> kept

> >> in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly with my

> >> neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat sheltered

> life

> >> especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got married

> very

> >> young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I spent 12

> years

> >> either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I managed to

> buy

> >> my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking

> macrobiotics

> >> for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there but I

> found

> >> it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A good

> >> friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an

> overnight

> >> thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

> >> therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa called

> >> Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks of

> life.

> >> The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic. I felt

> >> nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given massage for

> many

> >> years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5 years now.

> >> >

> >> >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was incredible

> support

> >> for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought I had

> so

> >> much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt that I

> >> didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the wrong

> thing

> >> and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept on

> cooking

> >> and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area. At first

> I

> >> thought the area where I live outside Philly was very conservative and

> that

> >> there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby. However, I

> was

> >> surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think once I

> opened

> >> myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different group of

> >> friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of like

> mind

> >> although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of natural

> >> food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when a new

> >> person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my

> friends

> >> and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very well

> >> received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the macrobiotic

> arena. My

> >> brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends who are

> >> spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking classes

> again

> >> last year having decided that even if one person came it would be

> wonderful.

> >> My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my students as

> they

> >> do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at one

> time I

> >> felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed with the

> >> opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the summer

> >> conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

> >> >

> >> >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the time

> when

> >> Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live in

> >> Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended up

> >> visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the macro

> >> programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill Tara and

> >> also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time taking

> in

> >> all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than ever and

> it

> >> made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful things can

> >> happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align with

> >> blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to

> remember a

> >> lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth, joy

> and

> >> gratitude.

> >> >

> >> >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years may have

> >> been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative, more

> >> accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are

> tremendous

> >> and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that around

> every

> >> corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

> >> >

> >> >Have a beautiful Wednesday

> >> >Blessings

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> > Brown Waxman

> >> >www.celebrate4health.com

> >> >www.bebabywise.com

> >> >info@...

> >>

> >> Brown Waxman

> >> www.celebrate4health.com

> >> www.bebabywise.com

> >> info@...

> >>

> >

> >

> >--

> >Food Coach Marque

> > " Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

> >www.Marque.com

> >

>

> Brown Waxman

> www.celebrate4health.com

> www.bebabywise.com

> info@...

>

>

>

--

Food Coach Marque

" Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

www.Marque.com

[Guest guest]

wow !!!

Any chance you can stick this post into a file or something??? I

certainly want to go back to it from time to time.

Thank you for it.

Peace,

Reggie

> > Hello, this is my first post to this group.

> >

> > I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that

> came

> > today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,

> > anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with

> others no

> > matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher

> or

> > counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present

> > classes and opportunities for others to learn.

> >

> > For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts

> here

> > recently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I

> started

> > this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked

in

> my

> > parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of

> > insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was

> always

> > worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup

> was

> > so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle

> of it

> > and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.

> >

> > One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks.

My

> food

> > tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain,

> kept

> > saying " Keep going! " One night when I came home from my first

real

> > macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and

I

> > heard a voisce in my head saying, " You have found something

> wonderful;

> > don't let it pass you by. " Why I listened to that voice, I still

> do not

> > know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca

> cola,

> > and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.

> >

> > Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror

> when I

> > told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have

> thought

> > Dracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro

> > friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years

> later.

> > No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you

> begin

> > to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't

> have the

> > perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have.

If

> you

> > can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can

> > afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge

> discarded

> > vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us

to

> be

> > super-human, just simply human.

> >

> > When the going gets tough, remember me 35 years ago standing at

> that

> > electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to

> tell

> > about it.

> >

> > One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a

> way

> > that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If

you

> are

> > not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it " imperfectly. " In

> other

> > words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no

> > " one right way " to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says

> there

> > is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic

> principles

> > in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for

> > yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If you

> > can't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the

> heck is

> > a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles,

they

> are

> > the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best

> want

> > to apply them in your own life. And all the while

> > you'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life

> > itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....

> >

> > One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my

macrobitoic

> > practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up

> more:

> > more people, not less, are my " family; " more friends, not less,

> are

> > coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my

> > attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say " thank

you " ...it

> goes

> > on and on.

> >

> > If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics,

> > finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing

> more,

> > finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try to

> > see if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no

> matter

> > what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to

be

> and

> > eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking

> them to

> > give you.

> >

> > Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and

> > practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had

> the

> > perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything,

> within

> > just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished.

They

> flew

> > off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of

> the " inner

> > circle. " They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so

> envious of

> > them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over

> time.

> > In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early

years

> when

> > I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups

and

> > downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my

> macrobiotic

> > adventure.

> >

> > There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It

> continues to

> > grow all the time.

> >

> > I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.

> >

> > I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

> blessings.

> >

> > Peace.

> >

> > Briscoe

> >

>

[Guest guest]

wow !!!

Any chance you can stick this post into a file or something??? I

certainly want to go back to it from time to time.

Thank you for it.

Peace,

Reggie

> > Hello, this is my first post to this group.

> >

> > I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that

> came

> > today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,

> > anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with

> others no

> > matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher

> or

> > counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present

> > classes and opportunities for others to learn.

> >

> > For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts

> here

> > recently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I

> started

> > this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked

in

> my

> > parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of

> > insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was

> always

> > worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup

> was

> > so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle

> of it

> > and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.

> >

> > One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks.

My

> food

> > tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain,

> kept

> > saying " Keep going! " One night when I came home from my first

real

> > macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and

I

> > heard a voisce in my head saying, " You have found something

> wonderful;

> > don't let it pass you by. " Why I listened to that voice, I still

> do not

> > know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca

> cola,

> > and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.

> >

> > Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror

> when I

> > told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have

> thought

> > Dracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro

> > friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years

> later.

> > No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you

> begin

> > to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't

> have the

> > perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have.

If

> you

> > can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can

> > afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge

> discarded

> > vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us

to

> be

> > super-human, just simply human.

> >

> > When the going gets tough, remember me 35 years ago standing at

> that

> > electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to

> tell

> > about it.

> >

> > One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a

> way

> > that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If

you

> are

> > not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it " imperfectly. " In

> other

> > words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no

> > " one right way " to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says

> there

> > is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic

> principles

> > in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for

> > yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If you

> > can't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the

> heck is

> > a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles,

they

> are

> > the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best

> want

> > to apply them in your own life. And all the while

> > you'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life

> > itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....

> >

> > One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my

macrobitoic

> > practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up

> more:

> > more people, not less, are my " family; " more friends, not less,

> are

> > coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my

> > attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say " thank

you " ...it

> goes

> > on and on.

> >

> > If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics,

> > finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing

> more,

> > finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try to

> > see if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no

> matter

> > what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to

be

> and

> > eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking

> them to

> > give you.

> >

> > Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and

> > practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had

> the

> > perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything,

> within

> > just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished.

They

> flew

> > off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of

> the " inner

> > circle. " They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so

> envious of

> > them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over

> time.

> > In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early

years

> when

> > I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups

and

> > downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my

> macrobiotic

> > adventure.

> >

> > There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It

> continues to

> > grow all the time.

> >

> > I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.

> >

> > I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

> blessings.

> >

> > Peace.

> >

> > Briscoe

> >

>

[Guest guest]

wow !!!

Any chance you can stick this post into a file or something??? I

certainly want to go back to it from time to time.

Thank you for it.

Peace,

Reggie

> > Hello, this is my first post to this group.

> >

> > I just wanted to say,after reading through the email digest that

> came

> > today, how much I admire anyone who is just starting macrobiotics,

> > anyone who has been doing macrobiotics and is sharing it with

> others no

> > matter how little you may think you know, and any cooking teacher

> or

> > counselor who is working harder than most people know, to present

> > classes and opportunities for others to learn.

> >

> > For those who are just starting macrobiotics and have made posts

> here

> > recently, don't give up. Your postings reminded me of when I

> started

> > this 35 years ago. I struggled like hell to learn, and I cooked

in

> my

> > parents' cold and bleak basement on an electric stove in a fog of

> > insecticide that my dad would spray while I was cooking! He was

> always

> > worried that my whole grains would attract bugs. And my miso soup

> was

> > so thick with miso that you could stand a spoon up in the middle

> of it

> > and wouldn't fall over. I kid you not.

> >

> > One time I ate nothing but Cracked Wheat with Onions for weeks.

My

> food

> > tasted terrible, but something in me that I still cannot explain,

> kept

> > saying " Keep going! " One night when I came home from my first

real

> > macrobitoic cooking class, I pulled up in front of my house, and

I

> > heard a voisce in my head saying, " You have found something

> wonderful;

> > don't let it pass you by. " Why I listened to that voice, I still

> do not

> > know to this day. I didn't like to cook. I ate only sugar, coca

> cola,

> > and crispy bacon sandwiches. I worked a 50-60 hr per week job.

> >

> > Some of the first macrobiotic friends I met recoiled in horror

> when I

> > told them I was cooking on an electric stove. You would have

> thought

> > Dracula had just entered the room! But of all those first macro

> > friends, I am the one still learning about macrobiotics 35 years

> later.

> > No matter what, no matter how up and down it goes for you as you

> begin

> > to explore macrobiotics, just keep going with it. If you don't

> have the

> > perfect cooking pots according to the books, use what you have.

If

> you

> > can't afford all-organic foods, just get the best quality you can

> > afford. Ohsawa was so poor that he had to scavenge

> discarded

> > vegetables from garbage cans. Macrobiotics isn't encouraging us

to

> be

> > super-human, just simply human.

> >

> > When the going gets tough, remember me 35 years ago standing at

> that

> > electric stove in the fog of insecticide! And I'm still here to

> tell

> > about it.

> >

> > One of the best ways to know if you are doing macrobitoics in a

> way

> > that is appropriate for you now, is if you are enjoying it. If

you

> are

> > not enjoying it, step back, find a way to do it " imperfectly. " In

> other

> > words, find out how to do it so that it satisfies you. There is no

> > " one right way " to do macrobitoics. Run from any teacher who says

> there

> > is. It's all about finding out how to apply the macrobitoic

> principles

> > in a personal, creative and practical..and enjoyable.. way for

> > yourself. If you still like chocolate, hey, join the club! If you

> > can't do macrobitoics perfectly, again, join the club. What the

> heck is

> > a perfect macrobiotic practice, anyway? Learn the principles,

they

> are

> > the real treasure of macrobitoics, and then find out how you best

> want

> > to apply them in your own life. And all the while

> > you'll find yourself having a bigger and bigger appetite for life

> > itself: music, art, comedy, trees, blue skies, rainy days, sex....

> >

> > One of my favorite ways to look at myself to see if my

macrobitoic

> > practice is really helping me is to see if my life is opening up

> more:

> > more people, not less, are my " family; " more friends, not less,

> are

> > coming into my life; more interests, notless, are asking for my

> > attention; finding more reasons, not less, to say " thank

you " ...it

> goes

> > on and on.

> >

> > If you find your life closing down after starting macrobiotics,

> > finding yourself with fewer friends, finding yourself criticizing

> more,

> > finding yourself only having friends who are macrobiotic...try to

> > see if you can relax, befriend yourself and those around you, no

> matter

> > what they eat. Give everyone the freedom to be who they want to

be

> and

> > eat what they want to eat. It's the same freedom you are asking

> them to

> > give you.

> >

> > Start out very simply with macrobiotics. Let your knowledge and

> > practice of it build over time. I remember meeting people who had

> the

> > perfect macrobiotic kitchen, the perfect macrobiotic everything,

> within

> > just a few months of starting macrobiotics. I was astonished.

They

> flew

> > off to Boston and sat at Michio's feet and became part of

> the " inner

> > circle. " They took every seminar Michio ever gave. I was so

> envious of

> > them at the time. And most of them gave up on macrobiotics over

> time.

> > In looking back, I really very deeply appreciate those early

years

> when

> > I was on my own, learning bit by bit, dealing with all the ups

and

> > downs. Those years gave me such a strong foundation for my

> macrobiotic

> > adventure.

> >

> > There is no last chapter in the book of this adventure. It

> continues to

> > grow all the time.

> >

> > I wish all beginners a great macrobiotic adventure.

> >

> > I wish all those who share and teach macrobiotics abundant

> blessings.

> >

> > Peace.

> >

> > Briscoe

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-I'm going to cry how adorable is this???

Thank you guys! These are just AMAZING posts. Thank you so much for

sharing! I'm going to be up all night trying to sort thru all these

posts!!!

Peace and love,

Reggie

-- In VeganMacrobiotics , " Marque "

wrote:

>

> and ,

>

> I loved both of your posts thank you so much. Each of you has had

> such a lovely impact in my own journey. , I'm sure you don't

> remember but one time we were talking on the phone and both of had

had

> some interest in the same guy and I asked you something about

cooking

> and I was so proud of how I'd been cooking pure macro food. You

made

> a comment on my beans like " What no vegetables in the beans " and I

> felt a little sad but it totally inspired me in that moment to get

> creative. It never stopped and I've never forgetton the wonderful

> bits of wisdom you gave me several times. We are all influencing

> folks for the better much more than we think just being us. So

often

> someone will come up to me at the Co-op or Real Food Daily and tell

me

> they took a cooking class of mine or read an article and it really

> helped them and it's been years and years... We are all teachers and

> students. Thank you all.

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I just want to clarify for those who don't know me that when I

was married

> > to my husband I was very active in the macrobiotic field,

teaching,

> > developing programes, helping those with serious health problems

and

> > writing. I actually started way back in the 80's. I also ran a

study house

> > for many years as well as having my children. My story/post

relates to the

> > past 7 years and it is interesting how things can change but I do

believe

> > that life only gets richer and deeper like a well aged wine!!!

> >

> > Blessings

> >

> > Re: For all macrobiotic beginners,

sharers,

> > cooking teachers and counselors...

> > >

> > >Hi

> > >

> > >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It

has made me

> > reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated

from my

> > husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few

friends kept

> > in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly

with my

> > neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat

sheltered life

> > especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got

married very

> > young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I

spent 12 years

> > either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I

managed to buy

> > my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking

macrobiotics

> > for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there

but I found

> > it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A

good

> > friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an

overnight

> > thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

> > therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa

called

> > Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks

of life.

> > The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic.

I felt

> > nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given

massage for many

> > years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5

years now.

> > >

> > >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was

incredible support

> > for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought

I had so

> > much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt

that I

> > didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the

wrong thing

> > and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept

on cooking

> > and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area.

At first I

> > thought the area where I live outside Philly was very

conservative and that

> > there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby.

However, I was

> > surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think

once I opened

> > myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different

group of

> > friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of

like mind

> > although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of

natural

> > food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when

a new

> > person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my

friends

> > and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very

well

> > received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the

macrobiotic arena. My

> > brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends

who are

> > spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking

classes again

> > last year having decided that even if one person came it would be

wonderful.

> > My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my

students as they

> > do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at

one time I

> > felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed

with the

> > opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the

summer

> > conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

> > >

> > >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the

time when

> > Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live

in

> > Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended

up

> > visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the

macro

> > programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill

Tara and

> > also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time

taking in

> > all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than

ever and it

> > made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful

things can

> > happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align

with

> > blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to

remember a

> > lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth,

joy and

> > gratitude.

> > >

> > >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years

may have

> > been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative,

more

> > accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are

tremendous

> > and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that

around every

> > corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

> > >

> > >Have a beautiful Wednesday

> > >Blessings

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Brown Waxman

> > >www.celebrate4health.com

> > >www.bebabywise.com

> > >info@...

> >

> > Brown Waxman

> > www.celebrate4health.com

> > www.bebabywise.com

> > info@...

> >

>

>

> --

> Food Coach Marque

> " Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

> www.Marque.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

-I'm going to cry how adorable is this???

Thank you guys! These are just AMAZING posts. Thank you so much for

sharing! I'm going to be up all night trying to sort thru all these

posts!!!

Peace and love,

Reggie

-- In VeganMacrobiotics , " Marque "

wrote:

>

> and ,

>

> I loved both of your posts thank you so much. Each of you has had

> such a lovely impact in my own journey. , I'm sure you don't

> remember but one time we were talking on the phone and both of had

had

> some interest in the same guy and I asked you something about

cooking

> and I was so proud of how I'd been cooking pure macro food. You

made

> a comment on my beans like " What no vegetables in the beans " and I

> felt a little sad but it totally inspired me in that moment to get

> creative. It never stopped and I've never forgetton the wonderful

> bits of wisdom you gave me several times. We are all influencing

> folks for the better much more than we think just being us. So

often

> someone will come up to me at the Co-op or Real Food Daily and tell

me

> they took a cooking class of mine or read an article and it really

> helped them and it's been years and years... We are all teachers and

> students. Thank you all.

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I just want to clarify for those who don't know me that when I

was married

> > to my husband I was very active in the macrobiotic field,

teaching,

> > developing programes, helping those with serious health problems

and

> > writing. I actually started way back in the 80's. I also ran a

study house

> > for many years as well as having my children. My story/post

relates to the

> > past 7 years and it is interesting how things can change but I do

believe

> > that life only gets richer and deeper like a well aged wine!!!

> >

> > Blessings

> >

> > Re: For all macrobiotic beginners,

sharers,

> > cooking teachers and counselors...

> > >

> > >Hi

> > >

> > >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It

has made me

> > reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated

from my

> > husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few

friends kept

> > in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly

with my

> > neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat

sheltered life

> > especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got

married very

> > young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I

spent 12 years

> > either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I

managed to buy

> > my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking

macrobiotics

> > for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there

but I found

> > it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A

good

> > friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an

overnight

> > thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

> > therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa

called

> > Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks

of life.

> > The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic.

I felt

> > nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given

massage for many

> > years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5

years now.

> > >

> > >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was

incredible support

> > for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought

I had so

> > much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt

that I

> > didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the

wrong thing

> > and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept

on cooking

> > and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area.

At first I

> > thought the area where I live outside Philly was very

conservative and that

> > there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby.

However, I was

> > surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think

once I opened

> > myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different

group of

> > friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of

like mind

> > although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of

natural

> > food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when

a new

> > person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my

friends

> > and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very

well

> > received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the

macrobiotic arena. My

> > brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends

who are

> > spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking

classes again

> > last year having decided that even if one person came it would be

wonderful.

> > My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my

students as they

> > do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at

one time I

> > felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed

with the

> > opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the

summer

> > conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

> > >

> > >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the

time when

> > Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live

in

> > Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended

up

> > visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the

macro

> > programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill

Tara and

> > also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time

taking in

> > all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than

ever and it

> > made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful

things can

> > happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align

with

> > blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to

remember a

> > lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth,

joy and

> > gratitude.

> > >

> > >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years

may have

> > been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative,

more

> > accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are

tremendous

> > and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that

around every

> > corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

> > >

> > >Have a beautiful Wednesday

> > >Blessings

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Brown Waxman

> > >www.celebrate4health.com

> > >www.bebabywise.com

> > >info@...

> >

> > Brown Waxman

> > www.celebrate4health.com

> > www.bebabywise.com

> > info@...

> >

>

>

> --

> Food Coach Marque

> " Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

> www.Marque.com

>

>

[Guest guest]

-I'm going to cry how adorable is this???

Thank you guys! These are just AMAZING posts. Thank you so much for

sharing! I'm going to be up all night trying to sort thru all these

posts!!!

Peace and love,

Reggie

-- In VeganMacrobiotics , " Marque "

wrote:

>

> and ,

>

> I loved both of your posts thank you so much. Each of you has had

> such a lovely impact in my own journey. , I'm sure you don't

> remember but one time we were talking on the phone and both of had

had

> some interest in the same guy and I asked you something about

cooking

> and I was so proud of how I'd been cooking pure macro food. You

made

> a comment on my beans like " What no vegetables in the beans " and I

> felt a little sad but it totally inspired me in that moment to get

> creative. It never stopped and I've never forgetton the wonderful

> bits of wisdom you gave me several times. We are all influencing

> folks for the better much more than we think just being us. So

often

> someone will come up to me at the Co-op or Real Food Daily and tell

me

> they took a cooking class of mine or read an article and it really

> helped them and it's been years and years... We are all teachers and

> students. Thank you all.

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I just want to clarify for those who don't know me that when I

was married

> > to my husband I was very active in the macrobiotic field,

teaching,

> > developing programes, helping those with serious health problems

and

> > writing. I actually started way back in the 80's. I also ran a

study house

> > for many years as well as having my children. My story/post

relates to the

> > past 7 years and it is interesting how things can change but I do

believe

> > that life only gets richer and deeper like a well aged wine!!!

> >

> > Blessings

> >

> > Re: For all macrobiotic beginners,

sharers,

> > cooking teachers and counselors...

> > >

> > >Hi

> > >

> > >Thank you so much for your beautiful and inspiring words. It

has made me

> > reflect on the past 7 years or so in my life. When I separated

from my

> > husband it was as if the macro. doors closed to me. Only a few

friends kept

> > in contact and this pushed me to discover and become friendly

with my

> > neighbors and locals. Up until then I had lived a somewhat

sheltered life

> > especially dealing with anything remotely financial having got

married very

> > young and proceeding to have 7 children in a row - I think I

spent 12 years

> > either pregnant or nursing!! I had to learn to budget and I

managed to buy

> > my first car and a few years ago my first house. I kept cooking

macrobiotics

> > for myself and the kids and gave cooking classes here and there

but I found

> > it difficult to run my own business as well as everything else. A

good

> > friend of mine suggested I give massage at a local spa. It was an

overnight

> > thought and the next day I called around to see if anyone needed a

> > therapist. I still work three days a week at this wonderful spa

called

> > Avante. I managed to build up my clients who come from all walks

of life.

> > The staff at Avante were so gracious and not one was macrobiotic.

I felt

> > nourished and supported by their friendship. I hadn't given

massage for many

> > years but things fell into place and I have been there for 5

years now.

> > >

> > >During that period I was cooking for Boy . He was

incredible support

> > for me and kept saying that I should do counselling as he thought

I had so

> > much to offer. But for some reason I had no confidence and felt

that I

> > didn't know anything. I was always worried that I might say the

wrong thing

> > and suggest something that would make someone feel worse. I kept

on cooking

> > and I also started to meet some folks of like mind in the area.

At first I

> > thought the area where I live outside Philly was very

conservative and that

> > there wasn't anyone even slightly alternative minded nearby.

However, I was

> > surprised and blessed at who lives around the corner. I think

once I opened

> > myself up to new options I began to attract a new and different

group of

> > friends. Slowly I began to met some wonderful people who were of

like mind

> > although not macrobiotic. I met many artists, healers, owners of

natural

> > food stores and tai chi teachers etc. I would get so excited when

a new

> > person of like mind entered my life. I started to network with my

friends

> > and I would give a few suggestions here and there that were very

well

> > received. Slowly I began to re-establish myself in the

macrobiotic arena. My

> > brother Simon has always been a huge support and other friends

who are

> > spread around the world. I started actively teaching cooking

classes again

> > last year having decided that even if one person came it would be

wonderful.

> > My classes grow each week and I am learning as much from my

students as they

> > do from me. I cannot afford to go to all the macro events and at

one time I

> > felt very left out and sad but now I realise that I am blessed

with the

> > opportunities that come my way. I went back and taught at the

summer

> > conference last year and wrote a baby book as well.

> > >

> > >I was fortunate to be able to go to Portugal in October at the

time when

> > Michio was there. It was a wonderful visit because I used to live

in

> > Portugal and it was like heaven on earth for me. I actually ended

up

> > visiting all the places I loved instead of actively attending the

macro

> > programme. I managed to meet up with some old friends like Bill

Tara and

> > also my brother Simon and his wife Dragana but I spent more time

taking in

> > all the beauty of Portugal. When I got home I was busier than

ever and it

> > made me realise that if you are truely happy then wonderful

things can

> > happen. I feel the blessings I got in Portugal helped me to align

with

> > blessings back home. When things are difficult I often choose to

remember a

> > lovely experience and it helps to bring forth feelings of warmth,

joy and

> > gratitude.

> > >

> > >I think macrobiotics is a great adventure and these past years

may have

> > been difficult but they have made me stronger, more appreciative,

more

> > accepting and I feel I know more about myself. My children are

tremendous

> > and have supported me throughout and I strongly believe that

around every

> > corner there is something new and exciting to experience.

> > >

> > >Have a beautiful Wednesday

> > >Blessings

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Brown Waxman

> > >www.celebrate4health.com

> > >www.bebabywise.com

> > >info@...

> >

> > Brown Waxman

> > www.celebrate4health.com

> > www.bebabywise.com

> > info@...

> >

>

>

> --

> Food Coach Marque

> " Love Your Body, Love Your Life "

> www.Marque.com

>

>