MACROBIOTIC SELF AWARENESS, DIAGNOSIS AND REFLECTION
It is helpful to have a feedback system to know where we are in terms of health and so we can determine what adjustments we might need to make to our diet, lifestyle and attitude to life. Being aware of our body and being able to listen to our body provides the basis for a feedback system.
It is healthy to be aware without making comparisons or using this exercise to become obsessed with our state of health.
Self Awareness Techniques
Keep A Diary For 2 Weeks
Keep a diary of everything you eat, what you do, how you feel and note any of the relavent measures below. This will help you clearly track how food, exercise and meditation can make real changes to your health. You can also photograph everything you eat if you prefer a more visual record. Remember to include snacks and drinks.
Meditation
Lie down and meditate by feeling each breath. Once relaxed start to explore every part of your body being attentive to your feelings. Try this daily so you become aware of how your body changes from one day to the next.
Exercise
Take regular exercise and use this to create an awareness of your current condition. How can you exercise for? When do you feel out of breath?
Pulse
Get to know your pulse rate and try taking your pulse before, during and after exercise. See how long it takes your pulse to return to its resting rate after exercise. Try taking your pulse before and a little while after eating. Does your pulse increase more with richer meals? Does your pulse increase after a big meal? Does your pulse increase after consuming coffee, sugary foods or alcohol?
Sleep
Use your sleeping patterns to get useful feedback on your current state. Be aware of whether you get a full nights sleep without interruptions. Note any dreams and see if they reflect your current emotional state.
Cravings
Be aware of any strong cravings for food. Try to feel where the craving is coming from and how you could best address it using healthy natural foods.
Appetite
Be aware of your appetite for food and how it changes according to changes in emotional states. Note your sexual appetite and aware of any nutritional, emotional or other factors that play a part in your sexual vitality. Be aware of how your general appetite for life changes through different phases in life.
Weight
If appropriate be aware of your weight or size and use this to gauge whether your diet is in some kind of balance with your lifestyle, exercise and activities.
Digestion
Be aware of your digestion after eating and use this to gain direct feedback on how different meals and your eating habits affect your digestion. Be aware of any bloating or wind and use this to reflect on your food, cooking and chewing.
Bowel Movements
Use your bowel movements to gain further feedback of your food. Find out how long it takes food to pass through your digestive system by swallowing corn on the cob cornels whole and observing how long it is before they appear in your stools.
Urination
Observing the frequency of urination and the color of your urine is a useful feedback on whether you are drinking sufficient fluids or taking in too much.
Acid and Alkaline
Use pH strips or sticks to measure your saliva and urine in terms of acid and alkaline. Keep a record and be aware of what kind of foods and emotions affect your pH balance.
Skin
Be aware of the condition of your skin and try testing it for elasticity by pulling the skin on the top of your hands and releasing.
Sweating and Smells
Be aware of any increase in sweating, and whether your body smells change after eating certain foods. Make a note of any tendency for your palms to become clammy.
Finger nails
Try pressing your on your fingernails and observe how quickly the flesh underneath returns to its normal colour when you release the pressure. Try this test if you feel weak or tired and see if it takes longer for the flesh under your fingernail to return to its normal colour.
Stretching and Flexibility
Develop a stretching routine to help you be aware of how elastic you are. Be aware of any changes in stiffness and see if you can relate this to changes in posture, diet, emotions or lifestyle.
Emotions
Be aware of your emotional state and explore why you might take on certain moods.
Immunity
Keep track of how often you become ill and use this as a measure of how strong your immune system is.
Face Reading
Look at yourself in the mirror and be aware of your face. You can make a simple daily face reading. Does your skin have a healthy colour? Do you have a darkness below your eyes that comes a goes with tiredness? Do your lips appear pale when you are tired?
Acupressure Points
Try pressing on various acupressure points and be aware of how sensitive they are. Do some point feel more sensitive today?
To find out more about your health and current condition book an online or in person counsultation with Simon. You will also benefit from help with lifestyle, food, healthy practices to improve a health condition.