Years ago I read a very important book by Michio Kushi titled “The Book of Macrobiotics–The Universal Way of Health, Happiness and Peace”. I thought it would be a book on eating a Macrobiotic diet but it was so much more. I highly recommend this book for its great wisdom and unknown information on how the body and environment work. I turn to this book to remind myself of how disease begins.
We have so much degenerative disease in our culture and it is easy to understand why when you read the progressive patterns of its development. He breaks it down into 7 stages. It is the 7th stage that really pauses you to think. As I move into my wisdom years, I watch so many leave the earth through cancer, heart diseases and a general breakdown of the body. In light of the routine reports of cancer in our society, I thought I would share the stages with you as well as focus on the final and 7th stage–Arrogance. Who ever thought?
Stage 1 is General Fatigue. Stage 2 is Aches and Pains. Stage 3 is Blood Disease. Stage 4 is Emotional Disorder. Stage 5 is Organ Disease. Stage 6 is Nervous Disorder. Stage 7 is Arrogance. Here is what to he has to say about this 7th stage of illness:
“An improper way of life has been practiced for many years and finally reaches the highest level of sickness–arrogance–though some of the previous stages may not have been clearly experienced. Arrogance is the most developed sickness and also the one that most universally affects people’s lives today. Selfishness, egocentricity, vanity, self-pride, exclusivity and self-justification are some of the common symptoms. Arrogance is the last stage of sickness and, at the same time, it is the cause of ALL PREVIOUS STAGES.
Because of the arrogance that has prevailed among many populations, the entire world is full of sickness, misery and unhappiness; not only physically and mentally, but also socially and ideologically. To cure arrogance takes from a few years to an indefinite length of time of proper practice in a more appreciative and natural way of life. However, arrogance can also be cured instantaneously through strong emotional or spiritual experiences, especially in the face of great difficulties and failure. The cure of arrogance immediately produces a spirit of humility and modesty. It restores also the spirit of appreciation through the recognition of our ignorance. When arrogance is dissolved, a new way of life in harmony with the environment automatically begins. 
Every physical, mental and spiritual sickness belongs to one of the seven levels outlined above. All sicknesses are interdependent and interconnected with one another; they are symptoms branching out from the same root–an improper way of life. As human beings we are a natural manifestation that appeared on the earth according to the evolving Order of the Universe. Thus, it is a simple matter to remain in that state of natural order and harmony. It is more difficult and complicated to get sick and suffer.
Modern people, however, are suffering with many sicknesses and experiencing a rising epidemic of degenerative diseases. We take it for granted today that the ordinary persona and family will suffer with some sort of serious illness and that most of us will die from heart disease, cancer or other chronic disorder. This universal belief in modern society is contrary to our real nature and the experience of humanity over thousands and thousands of past generations. As long as we follow and live according to the laws of nature and the Order of the Universe, as our ancestors have done from the beginning, we shall enjoy health, happiness and longevity, rarely suffering from any form of sickness.”
Dear Gail. Just came across you videos on Youtube and now your website. Fabulous. Glad to hear you are on the mend. Unfortunately the whooping cough vaccine (a combination vaccine) is not very effective any more. It appears the strains are mutating and there are outbreaks in fully vaccinated people. It is a shame you did not know about homeopathy. A good Homeopath could have reduced and shortened your suffering with one or two homeopathic remedies. There are some fabulous well know Homeopaths in California (and all over the USA). Also, Dr Suzanne Humphries has a great vitamin C protocol for it on her website. WIshing you good health always.
Searching for a copy of your book Gail. It’s out of stock everywhere. How can I get a copy?? Thank you so much!
Hello Gail,
Thank you for your meaningful and beautiful work!
Have you considered lotus root to balance the cough? Years ago I was a part of a macro community and the lotus root worked every time either powdered or soaked lotus root prepared in whole slices, depending on the condition and the application of yin/yang.
In Appreciation,
Alexandria
Dear Gail. I only discovered you on you-tube yesterday. In my search for the meaning of life, at a cross-road, and spiritually exhausted. I will now follow you on facebook and in every possible way I can.
I am quite sure that you have taken good care of your body, and that you will fully and very quickly recover from this annoying/show stopping ailment that you have. Sunshine, fresh air, rest & love is the best medicine. Get strong, so you can continue the wonderful work you are doing.
Best wishes,
Petra
Thank you Deborah and all of you who have wished me good health. One never knows do they regarding these bolts from the blue. 3 different doctors kept saying acute bronchitis while I just got sicker. Now I am on the road to recovery and trying to rest after weeks of no sleep. Do investigate getting the whooping cough vaccine even if you had it as a child. The immunity wears thin. Most doctors don’t pick it up and treat you for pneumonia or bronchitis. I have missed my life during the last 5 weeks and I am still coughing. You just feel bad and are perpetually exhausted from the cough.
I truly appreciate all your loving wishes, prayers, emails and texts. Without a sense of community, we really do perish. May we all not take our good health for granted. We have one body for life and I know I can’t ride this one to death–at least not now. Love to you all.
Dear Gail, I am grateful you are doing so much better. Being so ill is scary and humbling. I found this article very interesting. I am 67 now, but I had a prolonged health crisis from age 17-20 and can see the different stages described. Fascinating. Thank you for sharing your wisdom .
So happy to see your email. Sad that you have been going through what you had to go through but you’re the kind of person that comes out the other side and helps to Spread your learnings.Many blessings to perfect health now!xo
Thank you for the very interesting article, as always, right on target for me. I have missed your “presence” coming through my email. I always look forward to your well thought out articles. I am sorry to hear about your illness and really happy to know you are well into your recovery. Love and blessings to you, Gail.
Dear Gail: Your absence was noted. I am sure I was one in many who sent you a query about your well being. It is good to know you are on the other side of the illness and back in communication with us. Sending love and blessings and healing light.
So sorry you have been suffering and so happy that you are well on your way to recovery! Sending love and more healing for you and your family.
Great share, Gail. Please get well soon! Having experienced some of those phases listed by Kushi , I sought fervently greater health. And after more than a decade, I found it. I got great guidance from an unexpected source and I acted on it. It’s taken time, but I’m a pretty healthy person now. Looking back, I can see it was a journey of both inner and outer healing/transformation taking place. In summary, my comment, to add to Kushi’s: Don’t accept a chronic illness as normal. I didn’t. I was ready to give up but I kept fighting (seeking) a little more and a little longer. The alternative would have been dismal. Be willing to seek true health and to do what it takes. Do not accept status quo. Invest in your long-term health with preventive diet and inner practices. Address the SOURCE of the illness. The mind and body cannot be separated. You need to heal both for complete healing. Be persistent and ask for help. Help from the universe will come. You just don’t know how it will come. But ask, be ready, open, and, in that process, your healing will have already begun. 🙂
Dear Gail, The first thing I thought when I saw your email was “Gosh, I haven’t received an of Gail’s posts in a long time!” I wish you greatly improved health. It’s hard to believe that you had whooping cough, a disease I thought hit young children, but not adults. I think one huge contributor to people’s poor health is their diet, the Standard American Diet. Almost everyone in the U.S. eats a diet too high in fats and proteins when they need to eat more fruits and veggies and keep their bodies properly hydrated. Every time I heard the latest dietary recommendations, they seemed contrary to what I’d heard previously. I kept saying “why, after all the years humans have been on this planet, don’t we know the proper, healthy way to eat?” I’m now attempting to undo years of poor eating! Blessings to you!
Yes, the nail has been hit on the head. I love this article and could not have said it better. Thank you Gail for sharing not only your own wisdom, but Michio Kushi ‘s as well. Always enjoy reading your blog. You are so gracious to share your thoughts with us. Thank you! Truly hope you are feeling better soon. Bless you Gail.
Dear Gail. I am so sorry to hear that you were not well. I am so glad that I heard again from you. I always love your letters. Yes the body is counting the years and some days things are easier then other days. Asking daily for guidance to live my potential best and contribute to the world. Using Yoga Nidra almost daily to “ keep my body whole healthy and complete” I just love that practice.
The end of May flying to the Netherlands to celebrate my Mother’s 100th Birthday. Amazing. Be well Gail. Sending you Love and Light.