As the seasons shift, many of us turn inward to reflect on what truly sustains us. Gratitude is not only an attitude—it is a way of living in rhythm with the world. When we genuinely appreciate what nourishes us, the body often responds with greater ease: softer digestion, steadier emotions and a calmer mind.

A profound human force, gratitude arises from the combination of many cultures throughout the history of humanity. Language, body, and consciousness — of ourselves and others — have shaped a multidisciplinary and intercultural path capable of sustaining a sense of life that seeks goodness and peace. 

Studying macrobiotics my first awakening was around food – we can choose a healthy plant-based diet! Having grown up with the mantra that meat is essential, this was quite a revelation. We can largely control what we eat.

We have spent the last two years with a group of macrobiotic teachers seeking to help evolve macrobiotics. We have named this evolution Integral Macrobiotics, so that there is a name that clearly describes this updated inclusive version of macrobiotics. We thank Ken Wilber for his work on exploring integral living.

Our journey toward well-being begins with a single, powerful emotion: gratitude. In a world that often rushes us from one task to the next, gratitude invites us to pause—to notice, to savor, and to connect. It awakens us to pleasure, and in doing so, it helps us heal our relationship with food, our bodies, and ourselves. 

“I go to the forest to lose my mind and find my soul,” wrote J.M.—a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world. As we rush through our lives surrounded by constant noise and stimulation, the invitation to slow down becomes not just a luxury, but a necessity. In this stillness, we begin to rediscover ourselves—not through effort, but through presence. Returning to the body. To the breath. To this moment.

The decline. The energy, that moves downward and internaly, is now of contemplation/recollection, more condensed, heavier. The Yin, within the Yang, starts to take its place. The leaves fall, the climate is cool and dry, white is the color, spicy the flavor. It’s Autumn season, time to harvest and store to face Winter.

Macrobiotics has evolved into a holistic lifestyle that emphasises nutrition from whole, natural foods, supplemented by exercise, mindfulness, meditation, sleep strategies, and practices to cultivate a positive outlook. This comprehensive approach aims to improve overall well-being by addressing both physical health and mental clarity.

What is this energy about? The Tree/Wood element: the beginning of the cycle, the germination, the renewal. Spring is here! The season of gentle wind, green colours and sour taste. The movement is one of growth and expansion: ascending towards the sky, the Yang, collected and withdrawn in winter, begins to slowly arise and manifest itself. Like the seeds that sprout, it´s now time to create, take on projects, give wings to creativity and passion.

We all need a tonic. A lift. A change of energy. For as our physical fuel is crucial, our metaphysical fuels are just as much so! And in the UK we are blessed with four seasons. And so; to the garden. The allotment, the window box, to help a friend, to volunteer at a local veg box scheme. Let’s collaborate with nature, listen to the birds, get wet in the rain, feel the wind, feel the sun, ground with earth and enjoy more or less physical activity while we plant, grow, share, cook.