Macrobiotics and an enslaved mentality; a negative construct?

[foymula]

I was speaking with a friend yesterday about my transition to macrobiotics knowing that she herself had an interest in it as well as practicing shiatsu. I have noticed through the time I know her, she does not follow a macrobiotic diet, eating meat and cheese at times.

She stated her opinion as "If you see something you really want, you should give into this desire, because holding it back can be very unhealthy"

This didn't stick with me at all. Although the key word in my life is "acceptance" I believe in an eastern point of view that we should try to banish our desires, and in time they will evaporate. Discuss.

[MJS]

Hi again foymula,

I believe the key here is moderation.

Some people are attracted to strict dietary regimens and have no problem being very disciplined. Most people, though, if they routinely deny themselves something they really want, will end up feeling deprived and binging later, with unhealthful results. So macrobiotics does tend to believe, that in transitioning to macrobiotics and also in an established diet, there is room for moderate consumption of non-"macrobiotic" foods.

Does that help?

Mara

[Nancy]

foymula,

It could be that your friend "has an interest in" macrobiotics, but does not feel lead to adopt it as a strict and ascetic way of life. Few need to do this strictly, unless they are attempting to balance and reverse a disease condition. Then, it is recommended to follow guidelines for one's condition as strictly as possible, and also seek the guidance of an experienced macrobiotic counselor. Even under the threat of an encroaching disease, not all can be completely strict without any deviation. They will need to transition gradually or simply do the best they can. This is the imperfection of the human condition and it can't be any other way.

Macrobiotics is -a way of living life in balance- that a person who says they are
macrobiotic follows. It is not of any importance whether we look at another and think that they are doing it wrong, or not eating what they should. If they say they are macrobiotic, they are bumpily following the path of increasing ability to balance their physical state, emotional state, etc. by increasing knowledge of the tools of yin and yang.

As far as the statement, "If you see something you really want, then you should give into the desire, because holding it back can be very unhealthy." We can desire all kinds of things, not just food, that are not good for us (someone else's spouse, for instance). I propose that the above statement, if followed, could lead to untold grief and sorrow. It is a philosophy that lacks self-discipline and lacks self-control. In macrobiotics, we learn that the very food stuffs we crave the most, are those that most contributed to our current unhealthy condition, whether disease, or overweight, or emotional unbalance. If in the process of needed and healthy discharge of disease, the offending foods are eaten, the entire discharge can be disrupted. Start all over again.

If currently in good health, a practice of 6 days of strict -- and 1 day of indulging (in moderation) in craved foods, usually works for those in transition.

We should -accept- our own falability, of not being able to be perfectly strict in diet, or other areas, everyday. But, overall, we should be progressing steadily towards betterment in every area of life.

As I am a proponent of fasting, I use it to calm desires whether they be food cravings or other. It is possible to do a media fast, if spending too much time on a cell phone, a computer, or watching TV, etc. Cut out what is unnecessary, and one finds they have more self-control and time for more productive activities.

We can lose a bad habit by not indulging, or giving into it, for 21 days. We can banish unhealthy desires, and in time they will evaporate.

Nancy