Essential Macrobiotics: An Ecology of Mind and Body

Each of us is a living system within a grander living system. We are connected to each other and the world in more ways than we can fathom. If we focus on that wholeness, we can begin to imagine a culture that can heal the fragmentation and destructiveness of our time. This truth lies at the foundation of wisdom traditions from around the world – macrobiotics is a modern expression of that understanding.

The philosopher, George Oshawa, deconstructed the ancient wisdom of Taoism and reduced it to its practical core.

Combining his insights with Japanese healing traditions he created the principles of modern macrobiotics and created a global movement. While most known for its dietary principles, Oshawa’s philosophy was far more wide-ranging.

Over the course of two days, we will explore the macrobiotic portals to understanding physical and emotional health, society, and our place within the natural world. We will see how this ecological way of thinking can be used to empower us in the development of a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

Friday Evening - Overview

(7pm -10pm)

Friday evening will give an overview of the course and to your facilitator, Bill Tara which will set the context for the weekend ahead.

Saturday - Day 1

(10am - 7pm)

NATURE, ALIGNMENT AND ADAPTATION

• Yin/Yang – The Principles of Change
• Feeling or Thinking?
• Oshawa’s Magic Eyeglasses
• The Spiral Dance – Form and Function
• George Oshawa and Natural Justice and Karma
• Body Autonomy
• Discernment, Decision or Judgement?

FOOD AND ENERGY

• Health and Sickness
• Body and Mind, Health and Perception
• Fundamental Nutrition
• Yin/Yang and Food Energy
• Plant and Animal Morphology
• Homeostasis – The Idea of Adaptation & Balance
• Modern Nutrition and Macrobiotics

Sunday - Day 2

(10am - 7pm)

BODY PSYCHOLOGY

• Ancient BioEnergetics
• Energy and Substance
• Patterns of Stability and Vulnerability
• Bo Shin – The Art of Seeing
• Physical Constitution & Condition
• Health, Emotion and Demeanour
• Inside / Outside – Using Self-Diagnosis

LIFESTYLE AND BALANCE

• The Feng Shui of Daily Life
• Exercise & Therapies Yin/Yang
• The Ecology of the Mind
• Kushi’s Spiral of History
• Stressors and Triggers
• Keeping Your Vision

About Your Teacher

Bill Tara is a pioneer in the modern Macrobiotic movement in both America and Europe. For over 50 years he has been an advocate of the Macrobiotic approach to nutrition, nutritional reform and natural approaches to health and healing. He opened macrobiotic education centers in Chicago and Los Angeles in the 1960s and was active in the natural foods revolution. In the 1970s, he established the first macrobiotic educational programs in the UK, founding the Community Health Foundation and co-founding the Kushi Institute.

He's a health counselor and has clinical experience in both America and Europe. He's written a book and been invited to 22 countries to present seminars on Macrobiotic Health Care, Human Ecology, Oriental Diagnosis, and Vegan Advocacy.

He works with his wife, Marlene Watson-Tara offering a wide range of educational programs and bespoke health services in the private and corporate world. Online courses in Nutrition and Oriental Diagnosis are available here.