Hi everyone,
Not only that I am tempted by the contest, but since I have gotten into MB I do a lot of things that I didn't use to do before, introducing myself on an online forum is one of them, so here goes:
My name is Karny Ben-Yehuda, I am 28 years old, originally from Israel.
I have been macro for about 3 years now. I have started on my own, from books (especially Ohsawa), and been practicing for my own while I was studying art in the US. I was very attracted by the philosophy. When I read Ohsawa it was like everything finally fit in. Bits and pieces that I knew about the environment, organic food, oriental phylosophy, chinese medicine and years of vegetarianism suddenly clicked together.
I didn't think that I had very serious health problems, but right after I have changed my diet, I have felt an immediate change in my health and overall mood. Over the next 4-5 months I have said goodby to chronic allergies and constant fatigue.
Improving my condition has opened me up to new experiences and I had set out to travel to India. Being macro in India was a great experience, and I believe it has made my trip better. I was trveling in north and south India for 7 months. Over that time I constantly had to go to local markets and speak to local people, always looking for brown rice, other food ingredients and a place to cook. I have spared myself the usual tourist "been there, done that" attitude. The wish to cook my own food had made me stay longer in several places. I have seen from up close the daily lives of the local people, soaking up atmosphere and inspiration.
Coming back I have decided to go back to Israel, but a visit to the
European Macrobiotic Summer Conference have brought on more changes. I was deeply inspired by the teachings and the people I have met and I felt more secure making MB a bigger part of my life.
That is how I have found myself in Holland, doing a study training program at the
Kushi Institute of Europe, and at the same time editing the KI of Europe website and a
monthly newsletter.
I have read in an article by Christina Pirello that when she first heard about macrobiotics, she thought MB might be the silliest thing she has heard, or the earth's best kept secret. I find myself at awe each time when I realize the effect of food and lifestyle on my life. I have found macrobiotics to be an incredible tool for self growth and self discovery, and in everything I do, I try to use this tool for inspiring more people for health and happiness.
I hope to see more introduction posts, from new and old, silent and noisy memebrs,
Sincerily,
Karny