‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ Nelson Mandela As a child I adored Nelson Mandela. In my decades of teaching, I have used his saying to remind me that when we focus on problems we will have more problems. But, when we focus on possibilities we have more opportunities hence my relenting chant about food and health for humans and non-humans alike. I am in service for a healthy world for all who live here, that’s my mission.
In January 1989 The Endangered Earthwas named planet of the year by Time magazine. The fact that the earth was important enough to bump the likes of Benazir Bhutto, Mike Dukakisand Margret Thatcher off the cover means this must have been an important issue. Senator Al Gore wrote the lead article entitled, What’s Wrong With Us? Good question Al. Anyone got an answer? Anyone?
Last week, Bill and myself attended the LAUDATO SI conference at the University of East Anglia. It was an incredible eye-opener in so many ways. As long time animal advocates we felt compelled to use our voice and share with the panel and the audience our thoughts on why humans complicate such simple matters as GOING VEGAN.
The desire to create a “standard” definition of macrobiotic practice has emerged within our community on a regular basis. In my experience alone I have been part of many intense and in-depth discussions at teacher’s gatherings and congresses in both Europe and America.
Seasonal cycles, shifts in the weather, and even the move from night into day are not external artefacts. The environment is in constant flux, and we are in flux with it. In the animal kingdom this shows in cycles of fertility, migration and many aspects of behaviour. These shifts in the environment have influenced human activities, physical and cultural, for millions of years. Our bodies still dance to the rhythm of natural change. Macrobiotics is built around the simple insight that learning to cooperate to natural cycles is productive of health. It is a plant-based diet, with non-perishable foods such as whole grains and beans at the foundation that are the hope for the future.
