Macrobiotic Leadership Student Testimonial

Macrobiotic Leadership Program: Level I-IV Student Testimonial
María José Colás Martínez, April to July 2015

Read Maria's inspiring story and start your path to health and wellness. Visit our website for more information on upcoming programs at www.kushiinstitute.org or call (800) 975-8744.

I first heard about Macrobiotics through my aunt. My aunt started to go to a Macrobiotic doctor in Spain. He studied macrobiotics with George Ohsawa (founder of Macrobiotics) and western medicine. He helped my aunt to stay in shape and have a successful pregnancy. She maintained her weight and had a lovely child.

In University, I studied chemical engineering. I started working in this field but always remembered the natural path that my aunt introduced me to. I worked for a cosmetics company, petrochemical company and also trading import and export from China and Spain. My job gave me the opportunity to live in China for two years. While in China, I became sick and couldn’t breathe very well. I went to see a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. This experience gave me great insight to more of what natural healing can do. After one week I was feeling perfectly fine.

Later on back in Spain, I was walking to my office one day and I felt that this was not the right job for me and realized I needed to change my life. I wasn’t happy and knew I should be. I always wanted to do something related with the natural health field, so I decided to open an organic shop. My shop, Purusha, has been running for almost a year now.

While working with my customers I realized I had a lack of knowledge around food and nutrition. I made an appointment with the doctor that had treated my aunt a long time ago. I wanted to learn for myself more about his Macrobiotic education. In the short time of meeting with him, he amazed and inspired me. He made me think that this is what I want to do with my life. Right away I started doing a bit of research and I found out the Kushi Institute (KI) in Becket, MA is where to get first hand information on macrobiotics. I set my goal to go study at the KI. My plan is to help people to live a better and more complete life through diet and lifestyle by following Macrobiotic principles. Amazing! Here I am studying at the KI and will complete the Macrobiotic Leadership Program, Levels I through III, and two weeks of the Level IV program. I hope to become the best counselor, chef and teacher that I can possibly be when I get back to Valencia, Spain.

www.kushiinstitute.org 

Cooking Attitude by Aveline Kushi

We keep a copy of the following beautiful suggestions by Aveline Kushi near  the entrance of our communal kitchen at the Kushi Institute for all our students, staff and volunteers to read and contemplate.  Think of Aveline and these words every time you step into the kitchen to prepare a meal:

"Besides having good-quality food and proper cookware, to be a good cook, the right attitude and frame of mind are also necessary. Here is another check list.

1. A cook should leave all worries, problems, and angers behind as he or she relaxes mind and body into a peaceful, calm state of being. A cook's thoughts and emotions are mixed into the food and have an effect on anyone who eats it. Here are some things, among others, to remember while cooking.

A. Pour love and healing vibrations into the food, and imagine that whoever eats it will become healthier and happier.

B. Imagine that the food has the power to help individuals realize their dreams, and that with this tool comes the ability to vitalize and inspire whole civilizations. This is actually true. 

C. Give thanks to the farmer, trucker, storekeeper, nature, the food itself, cookware companies, and anyone else who has made it possible to have these wonderful ingredients and utensils. 

D. A cook can imagine that he or she is composing a symphony or painting a masterpiece as colors, textures, tastes, and smells are arranged into beautiful and dynamic combinations. Anyone who cooks should work to release his or her creativity and intuition. These develop with experience, so be patient and persistent. 

E. Realize that there is always more to learn. One should never become arrogant and think that he or she now knows it all. Be open and learn from everyone. We all have different perspectives and ideas and therefore we all have something to offer."

To learn more about food and energy through our educational programs visit our website at www.kushiinstitute.org.

Summer Time Is the Right Time!

3 Great Reasons to Visit the Berkshires and the Kushi Institute this Summer!

Summer time is the right time to visit the Kushi Institute and the beautiful Berkshires. With a myriad of activities and world class venues there is something for everyone. We picked our three favorite summer time activities, but there are many, many more. Whether you're into shopping and dining or hiking and biking, the Berkshires is for you!

1. Summer Conference! Every year the Kushi Institute hosts an Annual International Summer Conference Festival. Faculty and students gather from around the world to celebrate the power of natural healing. International teachers from Amsterdam, England, Japan and the United States offer a wide range of classes. Relax and rejuvenate with Yoga, Gi-Gong, Shiatsu Massage, and Meditation. Learn to prepare deliciously satisfying dishes in our Summertime Salads and Oddles of Noodles classes. With an average of four cooking classes offered daily you'll be sure to tantalize your taste buds with tofu and temeph, while learning to prepare fiber rich greens and balanced macrobiotic meals. We also offer plenty of courses to help you and/or your loved ones deal with health challenges such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypoglycemia. Our all-star faculty will be offering a variety of private sessions including menu planning, personalized health consultations, palmistry,  shiatsu massage, yoga, and much more. Day, weekend, and week passes are available. Click here for more information and afull schedule of classes. Call (800) 975-8744 with any questions.

2. Outdoors! Our backyard is in full bloom during the Summer! We have over 600 acres of natural beauty for you to explore. Our campus is located near many natural gems including Mount Greylock, Bish Bash Falls, and Ice Glen. We are surrounded by gorgeous hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. Is Golfing more your thing? We got you covered. Not only are we offering private golf lessons with Les Bolland, but the Berkshires is home to many world class golf courses including Cranwell Resort and Spa. Clickhere for more info on golfing in the Berkshires. You can visit nearby lakes and streams for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and even fishing. Check out some of our local campgrounds for more information on outdoor activities here. 

3. World Class Attractions! Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops. Their world class line-up includes Sheryl Crow, Cirque de la Symphony, John Williams and much more.  The Berkshires is home to unique museums with exquisite collections. MASS MOCA is one of the largest contemporary and performing arts centers in the country. With large scale installation works and summer music festivals you'll be sure to impress art connoisseurs and novices alike.  The Clark is home to a collection of American and European paintings, sculptures, drawings and decorative arts. In addition to their impressive permanent collection of Manets, Monets, Renoirs, and the like, the museum is an architectural gem and a great place to go for an afternoon stroll. Looking for some Americana? The Norman Rockwell Museum is for you! Learn about Norman Rockwell's unique contributions to not only the field of art, but also popular culture and politics. Visit www.berkshires.org for more information on things to do and experience in the Berkshires. If you are like us and love a great farmer's market, visit www.berkshiregrown.org for a listing of local events. 

Visit www.kushiinstitute.org for more information. 

Corn Silk Tea: Recipe and Benefits 

Great for warm weather, Corn Silk Tea is the perfect summer time remedy! 

Corn has been enjoyed by Native Americans, as it's understood to be the only cereal crop native to North America, for thousands of years. Corn, rarely eaten fresh, was dried and processed to make cakes, breads, hominy, tamales, and meal. Nothing was disregarded. Husks were dried and used to make dolls, mats, baskets and even moccasins. The silk was used to make Corn Silk Tea. Among its many benefits, Corn Silk Tea is particularly good for the heart and kidneys. 

Corn silks are those long, fibrous, golden strands that you peel off your ear of corn and toss into the garbage or your compost bin. Not anymore, not after you learn about some of the amazing benefits of corn silk. 

Corn Silk Tea is a natural diuretic and is effective in detoxifying the body, especially the kidneys and bladder. It can increase the flow of urine and help flush toxins out of the system. It also decreases fluid retention. It can help alleviate pains associated with inflammation in the joints (arthritis), urinary track, bladder, and prostate. It is a natural and safe remedy commonly used for the following conditions:

1. Bladder Infections 

2. Urinary Tract Infection and Inflammation

3. Prostate Inflammation 

4. Kidney Stones

5. High Blood Pressure

6. High Cholesterol 

When purchasing corn, always look for organic. If organic is unavailable, please avoid it. Corn Silk Tea is also available for purchase in tea bags online and in health food stores. Look for brands that are certificated organic. Below is a recipe for fresh corn silk tea. For proper frequency of use, please consult an experienced Macrobiotic counselor. 

 
Recipe for Corn Silk Tea:

1/2 cup corn silk

1 quart of spring or filtered water 

Place corn silk in water in sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for several minutes on low. Enjoy hot! 

You can also dry corn silk and store for later use. 

www.kushiinstitute.org