Awaken Your Sleeping Beauty:Edgar Cayce

SOAP SOLUTIONS, CAYCE'S BEAUTY ADVISORY(c) By Polly Guerin

2012-01-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

To soap or not to soap? That is the question many women ask and have often sought an answer to from the great man himself, Edgar Cayce. With all the readings Cayce was giving you would not think that he would have time to even consider this question, but ‘surprise,’ he did. It’s amazing to realize that an ordinary bar of soap like Black and White, Cuticura, Palma Christi, Olivae and a whole host of organic bars could have so many benefits for maintaining one’s complexion and treat common skin problems. While extensive expense has been doled out by women to remove the grime/makeup from their faces and to cleanse their bodies, sometimes it’s just a simple bar of soap that can achieve a healthy, youthful glow and help to counteract even facial flaws. Referring to pure products Cayce’s reading noted, “These preparations are preferable to most of the compounds that carry leads or poisonous conditions for the skin.” (2154-1) BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP Even Edgar Cayce acknowledged that “Beauty is only skin deep,” saying “Don’t depend upon cosmetics to clear or purify the skin. The cosmetics should be rather as an aid to keeping the superficial circulation in portions of face and hands in bettered conditions.” (5271-1) Cayce further stated that a healthy, radiant epidermis depends not on external applications alone and cannot be achieved without proper diet and nutrition, exercise, and a positive attitude over mind, body and spiritual outlook because genuine beauty comes from within, rather than an external condition. ONE SOAP TO LIVE BY While many women rely on some expensive commercial products to maintain their complexion’s flawless look or to camouflage skin flaws several soap brands have been mentioned in the Cayce Readings that perform far more reasonably. How about $6 a bar? Now that’s a bargain for beauty yet no fancy name is associated with genuine Black and White soap so you will not find it in a fancy cosmetic department. However, according to Cayce genuine Black & Whit e soap is an excellent cleansing soap for skin care and bathing. It has been recommended for skin problems such as acne, pimples, blackheads, eczema, itching burning and stinging skin. In a reading Cayce said, “These will keep the irritations from making the openings, or large pores.” (3081-1) INTRODUCED IN THE 1930s Genuine Black & White products have been around since the 1930s with staying power over 80 years. That’s endorsement enough for me to seek further information. Cayce also recommended Black and White cosmetics, which include cold cream, cleansing cream, skin whitener, vanishing cream, and ointment. Another reading stated, these are “the better products for the protection or care of skin, complexion.” (275-31) For anyone over 50 the good news is that Black and White preparations help to firm the muscles in the face and neck and prevent the looseness throughout the body. TRIED AND TRUE STANDBYS I remember Cuticura soap, it was in regular use in my mother’s cabinet for its deep cleansing and anti-bacterial ingredients that condition skin with practical treatment for skin abrasions, eczema, large pores. It was among the first soaps commercially introduced in 1865 and is still sold today as an antibacterial medicated soap that cleans and controls oil and germs that can cause blemishes. Then there is the Palma Christi soap, a natural cleansing bar custom formulated with softening, moisturizing properties of Castor oil, Almond oil, Lanolin, aloe Vera and Cocoa butter for allover cleansing. French Milled, Castile soap is another household favorite. It is an olive-oil based soap was first manufactured in Castile, Spain, hence it’s name. Olive oil has a long history. It has been a part of beautification rituals since ancient Egypt and Italian women have known of its benefits for centuries. A French milled version called, Olivae, has been specifically formulated with cocoa butter, olive oil, sweet almond oil, Aloe Vera and Lanolin to moisturize as it cleans. The use of any particular soap, however, remains an individual choice. One woman’s favorite standby may not be another woman’s or man’s solution. What is useful in maintaining a glowing complexion, moisturizing or combating skin flaws for one person may not be as effective for another person’s skin.
Products mentioned here can be purchased at the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) of New York Inc, 241 W. 30th Street, New York, NY 10001, email info@edgarcaycenyc.org or visit www.edgarcaycenyc.org. BAAR, the official supplier of Edgar Cayce Health Care Products can be reached at 1.877.999.2502. Visit their ‘easy-to-shop’ Web Site: www.baar.com.

CAYCE'S LIVING YOUNG ADVICE (c) By Polly Guerin

2011-11-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

Every woman can become beautiful, every man attractive but the mind plays a pivotal role in maintaining youthfulness. Edgar Cayce the great American prophet ought to know. Although most of his 'Readings' concerned health matters he had also doled out beauty advice to individuals who were seeking information on therapies for Living Young in all aspects of their life. In one of his astute readings Cayce said, “If we would have life, give it. If we would have love, make ourselves lovely. If we would have beauty within our lives, make our lives beautiful. If we would have beauty in body or mind, or soul, create that atmosphere, and that which brings about life itself will bring those (same) forces into the experience. (2096-1).
WHAT WAS CAYCE SAYING? Obviously feeling young and looking good is up to you. As an individual we have the responsibility to ‘make our lives beautiful’ by making a commitment to create an attitude, a lifestyle and an environment that reflects beauty in our daily experience and encounter with others. This commitment will not only contribute to staying youthful in appearance but will make your journey here one of definitive purpose and soul fulfillment.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT Such a daily routine is the foundation of a youthful appearance. While we acknowledge that true beauty comes from within, from the beauty of the soul, there is nothing wrong with beautifying the body in which the soul swells. In other words Cayce advised that one need not be vain or frivolous in caring for the body, but they should make the most of what they have. Even a wallflower with proper grooming can emerge like a rose. Moreover, the Cayce readings are replete with advice and remedies for all aspects of achieving and maintaining a more beautiful you. He addressed some vexing concerns like care of complexion, remedies for skin blemishes, hair, baldness and dandruff, care of nails and feet. Achieving a beautiful mind and keeping the body young demands a rigorous daily regime that includes the Cayce diet, regular exercise, meditation and a positive outlook. Such a daily routine is the foundation of a youthful appearance. Any girl or woman who adheres to this beauty advice can improve her health and beautify her appearance.
MIND OVER MATTER Cayce further answered the question, “How can people avoid aging in appearance?” and answered “The Mind!” (1947-4). I had an aunt who was not exactly a beauty, but she followed the Cayce beauty routine with impeccable grooming and conservative but fashionable apparel and before she left her house she looked in a blue tinted mirror that magically dispelled any imperfections. In her mind she was beautiful. As the old adage goes, “Thinking will make it so.” As a matter of fact my real secret to staying youthful and feeling young is more mind-over-matter. Even a little meditation in the morning or a catch up meditation at intervals during the day might focus on all the things you should be grateful for in life. Indeed, you might go to poetryfromtheheartbypollyguerin.blogspot.com and read “Thanksgiving Reverence” for the many things to be grateful for.
So put yourself in a great state of mind and be passionate about everything you do in life, and remember that there are so many wonderful things to remind us that we are truly blessed every day. Such thoughts will keep you feeling young and looking good with a special glow that comes from inner beauty.

YOGA, SHAKE 'N ROLL IN THE SKY (c) By Polly Guerin

2011-06-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was wonderful to anticipate, but the thought of the long flight, nearly 9 hours in a sedentary position, really concerned me particularly how sitting so long would affect the circulation in hips and legs. In preparation for the trip I started to think about ways to relieve the tension from confinement on the long flight. I turned to Yoga as a solution and offer here some suggestions that anyone can adapt for air travel, and if you’re locked at the computer for hours on end in a sedentary job these exercises are easy to do at your desk. Edgar Cayce the renowned American psychic in his readings on health often stressed, “We should do everything in our power to maintain good circulation through exercise.”
BEFORE YOU GO It’s important to prep your body before and after a long flight: drink lots of water, bring a bottle of water to spritz your face and a facial moisturizer, travel light and Ladies avoid restrictive bras, wear loose comfortable clothing instead and slip on shoes, bring a neck pillow to brace your head and a very light blanket to put around your shoulders should the air conditioning be too cold. It is important to start your regime early: before and during the flight eat lightly and avoid salt, alcohol and caffeine. In the airplane cabin don’t cross your legs, it impedes circulation and get up as often as possible and walk about the cabin. If you find a free space stretch, bend over and touch your toes. Sedentary Yoga will help you to maintain good circulation and increase your chances of feeling less stressed and looking ‘band box’ fresh when you arrive.
SEDENTARY YOGA Don’t worry about your seat companion's questionable look. Just say, “Excuse me but in case you’re wondering I’m doing some simple yoga exercises to improve circulation.” With that explained proceed to prep your body for in-flight yoga by getting into the silence in your mind. Close your eyes and visualize the calming color of the blue sky. Start off by centering yourself in the upright seat, feet flat on the floor close your eyes and focus on breathing in an out slowly and meditatively for a few minutes. If you feel uncomfortable about doing in-flight yoga in your seat go to the rest room when it is not busy and do these exercises in privacy.
ROLL AWAY TENSION I always like to begin with Cayce’s head and neck roll exercises which relieve tension and improve circulation to the brain, eyes, face and neck. Do this in slow motion by moving the head to the right shoulder, briefly pause there, then continue around the neck to the left shoulder. You may hear some cracking sounds which is a normal reaction of the body releasing the head and neck from uptight anxiety. Now reverse the head roll starting at the left shoulder. Do this exercise six times in each direction (or more if you desire). Cayce said that the head-and-neck rolls are particularly valuable to relieve muscle tension for people engaged in desk work, typing, piano and other activities (such as sedentary in-flight situations) that strain head, neck, eyes, shoulders, and arms.
SHOULDERING THE PROBLEM Okay, your exercise regime has just taken flight but you need to follow up with the shoulder roll. Children love to do this exercise because it looks so funny but it has tension releasing benefits worthwhile for any adult. In your seat inhale and roll your shoulders up to your ears, hold briefly and then exhale and roll your shoulders down. Again you may hear cracking sounds which only means that tension is being released. Repeat this exercise several times then with arms dangling roll your shoulders forward several times and reverse the action backwards. Hear yourself saying, “Oh, what a relief.” Quite frankly I think the airlines should engage every passenger in yoga in-flight exercises.
ANKLES AWAY It may be a tad difficult to do ankle exercises sitting in your seat but it can be done. Like the head-and-neck rolls start with the right leg and circle the ankle to the right several times and then repeat this action in the opposite direction. This simple exercise on each leg will reve up circulation. Then ever so slightly do the leg lift sitting in your seat. Lift your right leg up briefly hold this position, point toes toward the floor, repeat several times and do the same with the left leg. Now are you ready to walk about the cabin?
WALKING IN THE SKY Remember you’re on a long flight so get out of your seat and walk around the cabin or up and down the aisle. If you can find a space at the back of the airplane do some waist twists to the right and to the left, back and forth, to loosen up the spine. Bend over and touch your toes or dangle at whatever point you feel most comfortable. Rise up and now try to squat and do some knee bends. Embarrassed about such a public display? Want some privacy? When there is a lull in the restroom lineup go inside and do your twists, turns and bends there.
SITTING IN ONE SPOT FOR MORE THAN SIX HOURS WITHOUT RELIEF IS ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSES OF FATIGUE, HEART ATTACKS AND CIRCULATION PROBLEMS. DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT ANYONE MAY THINK. WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE SKY OR AT THE OFFICE OR HOME WORK STATION GET UP, GET MOVING, SHAKE AND ROLL YOURSELF INTO GOOD HEALTH!!!

HEALTH ALERT, Sounding the Alarm on Stress (c) by Polly Guerin

2011-02-25T15:04:00.000-08:00

It’s not surprising to find that modern men and women today are inundated with an inordinate amount of stress in their daily lives. For one thing the computer has made it easier to log in and communicate any of the time of the day or evening. It seems that everyone including businesses are after your undivided attention. In today’s high tech society we are drawn to our computers and the first thing most of us do at work or in home offices is to boot up the computer and stare in disbelief at the avalanche of e-mails. The inbox commands your attention, riveting you to your seat and the whole morning can be wiped out in just one sitting. Responding to e-mails is also the culprit of stress and a good reason why you should manage your computer time more judiciously. Stress brought on by information overload is a serious matter because the computer can contribute to some serious health concerns.
HEALTH CONCERNS
The renowned American prophet, Edgar Cayce, as well as the medical profession has attributed a great many of physical as well as mental illness to stress. Cayce was quite sensitive to the effect of stress on people and never dismissed anything as “just nerves.” In a reading he said, “The strain between the physical and the mental, with the spiritual attributes of the individual, finds expression not only in the brain itself, but in that of the sympathetic (nervous) system. (4566-1) Other stress diseases include skin disorders, diabetes, colitis, glandular disorders, backache and muscular aches and pains: and arthritis, to name just a few.
INFORMATION OVERLOAD
Information overload is causing incredible amounts of Internet postings to deal with, so much so that it can actually contribute to your working longer hours, which eventually could hinder productivity. Just the thought of looking at the computer screen hour after hour can take its toll on one’s eyesight, posture and general feel-good personality. You could suffer pangs of alienation and everyone around you dares not interrupt. If you become a slave to the Internet its grip on your mind can even sabotage creativity.
RECLAIMING CREATIVITY
When we let the computer run our lives we stop thinking of creating. It is no longer in our heads. Computer driven individuals have a different orientation and stop thinking about making things and using their hands in pastime pursuits. Nature is the best medicine. Get out and interact with nature. Brown bag your lunch, bring a friend and picnic in the park. Instead of staying indoors in stuffy, sweaty gyms, take brisk walks in nature, do some calisthenics and pretend no one is looking. Take up a hobby. I have even noted that men also do needlepoint or knitting. In a reading Cayce admonished as follows: “…budget the time so that there may be regular period for sustaining the physical being and also for sustaining the mental and spiritual being. As it is necessary for recreation and rest for the physical, so it is necessary that there be recreation and rest for the mental.” (3691-1)
Best Advice: Forget about the etiquette books. Remember you do not have to reply to every e-mail

HEALTHY CHOICES...Seeing What's Often Invisible (*) by Polly Guerin

2011-02-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Fairies, Pixies, Brownies, Elves and Sprites

Seeing is believing, but what about expanding your senses to seeing what is often invisible? Since early childhood Edgar Cayce, the great American psychic, could see fairies, sprites, angels and invisible friends. As a child, he thought that everyone could see these figures. He was not alone in the wonder of childhood discovery. Much to the surprise of some parents they are amazed when they realize that their child has an invisible, imaginary friend. I remember a little girl, the daughter of a friend, who enjoyed the presence of an imaginary playmate. She sat in a chair opposite her invisible companion and conversed animatedly with total disregard for any adult present. Sometimes children develop these insights due to being an only child who is left to its own entertainments. Others through the innocence of their childhood have expanded their senses to seeing what is invisible.

SPIRIT ENCOUNTERS

Angels have fared a lot better throughout history and in the tales by the Brothers Grimm and Victorian artists. The evolution of the fairytale continues today and people relate to these invisible guardians embracing angel reality as their own. Angel protectors have become popular while angel motifs proliferate in art, literature, advertising and even fashion. Ghosts have also had their day permeating folklore for centuries and reappearing today in Civil War Re-enactment sites and other historical places. However, what about the fairies, brownies, elves, pixies and sprites? There has been considerable testament to the existence of the invisible visitors. Call them playmates, confidants, loyal friend, but the fascination to connect with these unseen spirits appeals to the child in every adult. Brownies for one are good natured Goblins who perform helpful services at night while Fairies have magical powers and Pixies are a cheerful mischievous sprite. Consider this. “Have we become so myopic that we are unable to connect with the magical world of child-like imagination and to see beyond to what is often invisible?”

GARDEN VARIETY

Edgar Cayce recalls playing in his mother’s garden, “One afternoon my mother came down the garden walk calling to me. My playmate (who appeared to me to be about the same size as myself) was with me. It had never occurred to me that he was not ‘real,” or that he wasn’t one of the neighbors’ children, until my mother spoke and asked me my playmate’s name. I turned to ask him but he disappeared. For a time this disturbed my mother, but this changed considerably when we moved and I later had two favorite places where I played with these unseen people.” With these playmates I gathered colored glass, beautifully colored leaves and things of that nature. What disturbed me was that I didn’t know there they (the playmates) came from or why they retreated when some of my family approached.” This question comes to mind. Could it be that the wee folk, those fairy friends depart as soon as an unbeliever, an adult, comes into their presence, and thereby the magical spell is broken?

FAIRY DWELLINGS

I remember visiting Monhegan Island in coastal Maine, where walking along lobster-trap-lined lanes through the jumble of village houses, to the scrambling over craggy shores brought me to the magnificent spruce-clad woods. There I discovered tiny fairy dwellings in the "Cathedral Woods," which captivated my imagination, as did the sea glass and the legendary folklore of fairy spirits. An island tradition, these tiny whimsical houses constructed of found woodland objects were made by children in the forest to encourage their imagination and belief in the unseen. As for the colorful sea glass that had washed up on the beaches from distant lands, they came with extraordinary stories told by an old sea captain who captivated the attention of children and adults alike. He was a magical storyteller, a weaver of the strange charm of elves and ghostly stories.
CAYCE'S COMMENT

Later in life when Cayce was asked during one of his psychic readings to explain fairies, he answered: “Brownies, pixies, fairies, gnomes are not elementals, but elements that are as definite entities as man materialized.” (EC 1265-3) He further stated that the fairies and those other whimsical forms are only seen by those who are attuned to the infinite. (EC 2547-1).

"Rare as they may seem these unseen elements of nature continue to titillate our senses and evoke the mystery of believing in magical possibilities," PG.

*Inspired by John Van Auken’s article in the Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. membership newsletter Jan. 2010.

SPACE OF YOUR OWN, Refuge From a Hectic Life (c) By Polly Guerin

2011-01-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

Creating a refuge of your own, a private, intimate place to call your own is a highly coveted desire for most women. While multi-tasking at home or fulfilling the demands of a career women often find they need a place to escape to where they can meditate, write, daydream, set up a home office or simply meditate and pray in a comfortable and peaceful environment. Balancing all the demands on your time perhaps means there is very little time left for yourself. In these days when most people living in large cities do not have the luxury of space, there is ever more reason to be creative and to carve out your own sanctuary. Whether you can take fifteen minutes or a whole day retreating into your personal sanctuary can have productive and restorative results.
THE CLOSET SANCTUARY
I recall the clever solution that my friend, Carolyn Beiderman a former opera singer created at a time when her children were quite small, mischievous and investigative. She created her sanctuary in a medium size closet, installing therein shelves to hold her opera scores and personal memorabilia, white plastic head forms to hold her wigs, a mirror on the inside of the closet door and a makeup station. “I drew funny faces on the white head forms that scared the children away,” she recalled. “On the door I placed a “Private” sign and everyone in the family knew this was my special place.”
A WRITER ON A SHELF
I was always amazed by my late writer friend, Irene Kleeberg. She was married to a book publisher and everywhere you looked in their apartment books were piled up and there wasn’t a clear space for her work. So she created a sturdy shelf on the inside door of a medium size kitchen closet on which she anchored her typewriter, as there were no computers at that time. In this unlikely arrangement she managed to produce numerous magazine articles that she sold to major magazines. Her focus and creativity was abetted by shelves inside which held her reference books, tools of the trade, and assorted personal items. Not only was this an innovative solution to her daily writing but she also managed to produce self-help books that were very popular.
A NOSTALGIC SETTING
There are some people who are spiritually minded and prefer to create a sanctuary place where they can revere their family and friends. It can be as simple as a place on the top of a bureau or in the corner of a room where they display framed pictures of their loved ones and often add mementos, like a flower, an item of clothing, something that identifies with their departed relative and provides a happy memory. In a similar fashion like other people I have placed silver framed photos of my family and special friends on the top of my closed baby grand piano. It brings pleasure just to look at a photo and to remember the people pictured and the occasion when the photo was taken.
MEN AND SANCTUARY
It’s common knowledge that men have always had their special place to retreat to and get away from it all. They have the den to watch sports, the porch on which to smoke, the garage to tinker with the car or a workplace with tool setup. That’s how they cope with creating their own space and a good thing too. My sister-in-law once said about her husband who took endless hours away to build a small boat in their large garage, “Well, at least I know where he is at all times.” Women however, have always had their kitchen or sewing area but those are really work rooms and do not cut it as a sanctuary.
A refuge from a hectic life can be built to accommodate all sorts of desires. Whether it is meditating, listening to music, writing, thinking, praying, creating or daydreaming finding a private place to call your own is a good thing to bring peace and harmony into your life.

MANTRA MESSAGES IN THE NEW YEAR (c) By Polly Guerin

2011-01-04T09:01:00.001-08:00

As the New Year brings with it promise of new beginnings, new opportunities and new surprises, there is great reason to rejoice and welcome the new challenges. But somehow worries, doubts and unanswered prayers seem to creep into our thoughts and the stress of this negativity can debilitate our well being and ambition. It might sound too good to be true but a Mantra, a single phrase, an affirmation, repeated over and over again can combat stress, reset your mood and elevate your emotions to positive levels of peaceful contemplation.
WHAT IS A MANTRA?
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of “creating transformation.” Perhaps the most familiar to Westerners is the famous one from Buddhism, OM mane padme hum (Ohh-mmm, mahn-ee pahd-mee hooom). This Buddhist mantra, translates to “the jewel of consciousness (the mind) which has reached the heart’s lotus.” This mantra is practiced more than any other in the world. One of the mantra’s simple but profound concepts is that when the mind and heart become united anything is possible. If you want to change your life, this mantra should be your spiritual icon.
UNLOCKING YOUR ENERGY CENTERS
You may wonder how sounds can affect the energy centers. Repeating the Sanskrit words OM mane padme hum stimulates the body’s chakras (the energy centers in your body). The ancient clairvoyants looked at the energy centers as spinning wheels of light, called Chakras, which in Sanskrit means ‘wheel.’ Each Chakra resonates and vibrates to a specific color in the spectrum and corresponds to a specific musical note on the C scale. The crown Chakra (top of the head) the crown of enlightenment resonates to the sound “B” on the C Scale. The Indigo Chakra resonates to “A,” the Blue Chakra to “G,” the Green Chakra to “F,” the Yellow Chakra to “E” the Orange Chakra to “D” and the Red Chakra to “C.” These musical sounds pull in spiritual energy and create harmony in your life. TRANSFORMATIONAL PHRASES
Your voice repeating the OM mantra can have a profound transformative effect on the Chakras and through them on your mind and body. When the two are joined possibilities open to eliminate stress, stabilize emotions, create serene health, and opens the path to enlightenment. Repeating the OM mantra can be personalized by a certain need in your life. It can be accompanied by a personal “thought “affirmation, as simple as, “I always focus on the positive,” “I expect success in my career,” “I am worthy, I am loveable, I am free,” or to attract prosperity, “I attract abundance in my life.” Repeating transformative phrases as an everyday practice not only shifts your focus away from stress and negativity, it centers you with peaceful contemplation for the positive aspects in your life.
TIME TO CHANT
If you cannot provide a specific time in the morning or evening to sit quietly and repeat the OM mantra then you can mentally chant the mantra while you’re waiting for the traffic light to change, while you’re waiting on line running errands or while you’re jogging. Take advantage of waiting time at the dentist or doctor’s office; at the spa or hair salon let the mantra fill the idle hours. If you can afford to set aside time from your busy schedule here is a simple exercise that puts the principle of the OM mantra to work. Sit comfortably in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor, rest your hands on your lap and close your eyes, breathe naturally several times through your nose until you feel relaxed. Focus on your affirmation and start chanting the entire mantra, OM mane padme hum! (pronounced Ohh-mmm, mahn-nee pahd-mee hooom!) Do this pronouncing all the syllables in a single breath. Repeat this five times, and then relax. The sound of the Om mantra can have a profound transformative effect on your mind and body and at the same time help you to realize your affirmation.
THE VIBRATING SOUNDS OF THE OM MANTRA, THE SPEAKING VOICE, UNLEASHES THE DEEPEST MYSTERIES OF THE GIFT OF PEACE AND HARMONY IN YOUR LIFE.

HEALTH ALERT: Internal Bathing Benefits (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-12-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

It’s party time and the holidays mean that most of us over indulge in eating and drinking libations far more than we usually do, which puts stress on our bodies and minds. When relief is sought from eating excesses perhaps it is time to de-tox and do some internal cleansing. As Edgar Cayce said, “For every one---everybody—should take an internal bath occasionally as well as an external one. They would all be better off if they would. (440-2) There may not be any miracle cure, but a good cleansing routine will do wonders to rejuvenate and restore one’s enjoyment of the season.
APPLE CLEANSING PROGRAM
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but the apple cleansing regime is an easy way to start a therapeutic program right now or even after the holidays. Cayce advised: “We would use first the apple diet to purify the system; that is, for three days eat nothing but raw apples of the Jonathan variety. The Jonathan is usually grown farther north than the Delicious, but these are the same variety, but eat some. You may drink coffee if you desire, but do not put milk or cream in it, especially, while you are taking the apples. At the end of the third day, the next morning take about two tablespoonful of Olive Oil. (780-12)
A MIRACLE THERAPY
The “Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy” cautions that although the apple cleansing regime is recommended to cleanse all toxic forces from your system, like any other holistic program anyone who decides to try it should first check with their doctor. Consulting a Caycean trained physician first is especially important if you simply cannot handle eating apples, and another regime may be recommended. However, since most people are toxic, a good cleansing routine is the first step toward improving your healthy outlook. If you are in reasonably good health, the detoxification will bring about an almost euphoric feeling of well-being and provide an inexpensive and effective insurance against disease. The most important element about the apple regime is that the apples should be “organic’ and free of chemicals.
INTERNAL CLEANSING BENEFITS
Internal cleansing plays a vital role in general health and well being, in longevity, beauty and sexual vigor and just the sheer joy of living alert and physically rejuvenated. However, the apple regime is not the only factor in the cleansing and therapeutic process. You must be determined and consistent and not break the regime for a mere three days of apple intake and watch how the detoxification makes your eyes become much brighter and your skin take on a fresh glow.
RESTORE HEALTH, BEAUTY, SEXUAL VIGOR, ENCOURAGE LONGEVEITY, RESTORE THE SHEER JOY OF LIVING ALERT AND PHYSICALLY REJUVENATED.

HEALTHY NATURALS and NUTTY SOLUTIONS (C) By Polly Guerin

2010-12-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Edgar Cayce, the great American prophet preferred natural food over man-made sources of vitamins. In the book, "The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health," Cayce occasionally did prescribe extra vitamins in certain cases but he warned that these should not be continued indefinitely. He also advised that we opt out of eating frozen food and taking supplements and instead purchase vegetables and fruits “in season.” Fresh food markets have cropped up all over the city and the foods represented in these markets come from local farmers when fruits and vegetables are at their peak of freshness and nutritional value. Cayce further advised that you have at least one meal each day that includes a quantity of raw vegetables, such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, carrots and onions. Tomatoes he said, “May be used in their season.”

A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE

Americans love drinking coffee. I for one cannot begin the day without a cup of fresh percolated coffee. If you’re like me one or two cups in the morning will satisfy my devotion to coffee. However, Cayce felt strongly about coffee, which he suggested was a food when taken alone, but should never be taken with milk or cream and sugar, since the milk transforms itself into leathery curd blocking the digestive process. He said, “If coffee is taken, do not take milk in same. If tea is taken, do not take milk in same. This is hard on the digestion. (5097-1)

AN ALMOND A DAY

Cayce was also enthusiastic about almonds, and so am I. He said, “If an almond is taken each day and kept up, you’ll never have accumulations of tumors or such conditions through the body. An almond a day is much more in accord with keeping the doctor away, especially from certain types of doctors, than the apple. For the apples was the fall, not the almond—for the almond blossomed when everything else died. Remember all this is life! (3180-3) He further recommended that those who would eat two or three almonds each day need never fear cancer. And those who would take a peanut oil rub each week need never fear arthritis. (1158-31).

BEWARE OF FRIED FOODS

Cayce was strongly opposed to fried foods and excessive consumption of fats. He warned, “Beware of all fried foods, No fried potatoes, fried meats, fried steaks, fried fish, or anything of that nature.” (926-1) He suggested that you consider steam pressure for cooking food quickly because it rather preserves than destroys precious vitamins. Chicken or fish would be better steam cooked as well.
HEALTHY NATURALS AND NUTTY SOLUTIONS ARE SO EASY TO FOLLOW AND PROVIDE LIFE EXPANDING BENEFITS.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS, Ouch!!! Heel Pain Relief (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Does the bottom your foot, specifically the heel area, hurt a lot lately? Are you experiencing a burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the heel of the foot? If so, you’re not alone. Many people suffer with this uncomfortable condition due to many causes, but women particularly have pain because they are victims of fashion and have been wearing killer high heels or flip flops all summer which provide no support. The medical term is called Planter Fasciitis and it is the most common condition of heel pain, which occurs when the long fibrous fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. Many sufferers may also have heel spurs.
CAUSES OF PAIN
According to the Plantar Fasciitis organization there are many spellings for the condition but Plantar Fasciitis is the correct medical term. Since our heels absorb much of our body’s pressure when we walk, being overweight can easily lead to plantar fasciitis damage. This condition can easy occur from a number of reasons. A wise warning to women: You should avoid going barefoot and get rid of those flip flops or cute flats that do not provide adequate support and cushioning around the heel and through the arch of the foot. An over-the-counter orthotic device placed in your shoes will take pressure off the planter fasciitis and provide shock absorption, but when the condition persists you may need to visit a doctor or podiatrist to seek medical attention. Excessive running, jumping, or other physical activities can easily place stress on the foot. On a more serious note arthritis is another common cause.
EXERCISE AND RELIEF
The good news is that you can take conservative steps to relieve the condition. Early attention to plantar fasciitis pain can be treated with home care and exercise. It is advisable to start stretch exercises even before you get out of bed in the morning. Edgar Cayce, the renowned American prophet had exercise suggestions that with patience can provide relief from pain. Fold a towel lengthwise into a 4-inch width. Place the middle of the towel on the sole of the foot, under the toes. Grasp both ends of the towel and pull toward you and back. Then push the toes and front of the foot forward. Be sure to keep the ankles in a straight line, and keep pressure on the towel so that the foot will have a real workout.
SOOTHE THE PAIN
Who suffers the most? People in professions that require them to be on their feet all day need to soothe aching feet and plantar fasciitis. Resting with your feet elevated may relieve some of the pressure, and applying ice to the area for a least a half hour is another common remedy. When pain persists taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation, but you don’t want to become addicted to pain relievers. Prevention is the key to avoiding the condition. So why suffer? Wear adequate fitting shoes with good support, avoid repetitive stressful exercise like running and maintain flexibility around the ankle. Try the foot roll. Sitting on a chair roll your foot back and forth over a tennis ball or try the toe wiggle. Hold your foot and stretch and wiggle each little tootsie separately with your hand.
WARNING: Don’t ignore the initial pain and just think it will go away. In most cases, luckily treatment only needs to be through conservative at-home methods. However, ignoring the problem can only make it worse. It is important to seek help and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. http://www.plantar-fasciitis.org.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: To Sleep Perchance to Dream (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-11-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you’re yearning to get an extra hour of sleep this Sunday, November 7, 2010 marks the end of daylight savings time when you set your clock back one hour. In this way we take an hour of daylight from the end of the day and give it to the morning. You’ll get an extra hour of sleep Sunday, but the days will seem shorter. Some experts say it’s to save energy and heat, but Daylight Savings Time (DST) wasn’t always a popular concept and surprisingly the United States was one of the last countries to adopt it. Why? Because it was difficult to get every state to agree on exactly how we should go about doing DST. However, the old adage reminds us to “spring forward, fall back,” because come spring we set out clocks forward to shift that hour of light to the end of the day. Society’s need for ‘more’ or ‘less’ daylight at certain times of the year has its roots in ancient concepts.
WHO INVENTED DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME?
It’s actually an old idea and has been around since the 1780s. Thank one of our founder fathers for coming up with the idea. In 1784, while Benjamin Franklin was serving as the American Ambassador to France he wrote an essay entitled, “An Economical Project,” in which he proposed the concept because he could not imagine that the Parisians would still be using candlelight at night if they knew they could get sunlight in the morning free. It is also the basis for the practice proposed by George Vernon Hudson, who in 1895 presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society, proposing two-hour time shift that would extend daylight hours later into the evening. The idea took on a more serious tone in 1907, when British Builder William Willett published, “The Waste of Daylight.”
THE U.S ESTABLISHES DST
Needless to say the United States was a vast country in 1918 and it was a challenge to coordinate the states so the U.S. Government established standard time zones across the country and set the parameters for Daylight Savings Time to make the days longer and therefore increase productivity during the World War I. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt took a similar stand on DST and put into effect year-round, a “War Time,” mandate to augment significant energy savings.
ENACTING LEGAL MEASURES
Daylight savings Time across the country became very confusing with different cities and states practicing DST, or not. To put a concise spin on DST in 1966, Congress passed The Uniform Time Act, establishing daylight savings time between April and October. Congress revised the law in 1972 and again in 1986, then the law was amended, moving the beginning of daylight savings time to the first Sunday in April. The Energy Policy act of 2005 once again changed DST, this time extending daylight savings time by four weeks. In fact, the most recent DST-regulated legislations went into effect in 2007, which extended daylight savings time from Mid-March through the first week of November.
LET’S THANK BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FOR HIS KEEN OBSERVATION AND FOR PROPOSING THE IDEA THAT WOULD BECOME DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AND GEORGE VERNON HUDSON, WHO INVENTED IT AND WILLIAM WILLETT WHO FOUGHT FOR IT.

Cough, The Coughing Health Hazard (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-10-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is the season when coughing and even minor coughs can make the holidays not so pleasant to look forward to. At first one resorts to taking commercial cough drops, which are largely herbal and some contain honey. Although cough drops provide some relief, that’s only suitable for common, uncomplicated coughs. When the cough takes on a life its own and over-the-counter prescriptions fail to tame more persistent coughs, after one week it is time to take steps to curtail further development of a more serious condition. At this point of advanced coughing a visit to the doctor may be the solution to obtain a more potent remedy. Or you could consider the holistic approach and chose one of Edgar Cayce’s remedies which he prescribed in one of his readings for a cough that was hanging on.

MISSING THE HOLIDAYS

At this time of the year missed time at work and school , or taking to one’s bed during the holidays does not make for a happy outlook. Since prevention is the key consider this: throughout the Cayce readings several formulas were given for cough syrup. Simply called Cough Mixture 2, this formula was recommended as a cough medicine and for healing through the whole system. Prepare as follows: Put 2 ounces of strained pure honey in 2 ounces of water and let this come to a boil. Skim off the refuse, then add 1 ounce of Grain Alcohol. To this add the following in the order as follows: Syrup of Cherry Bark-1 ounce, Syrup of Horehound-1/2 ounce, Syrup of Rhubarb-1/2 ounce and Elixir of Wild Ginger-1/2 ounce. Shake well before the dose is taken, which would be about a teaspoonful taken as every hour. It will allay the cough, heal those disturbing forces through the bronchi and larynx, and make for better conditions through the eliminations. (243-29)

HERBAL RESPIRATORY TONIC

The great advantage of this formula is that it does not produce side effects and may be taken as often as once every hour until relief is obtained. So you may rightfully ask, “Where am I going to find these ingredients? No you will not have to go out and remove the bark from the north side of a wild cherry tree to produce the formula or scrounge around for the other ingredients. The holistic product is called Respicol which is available at the A.R.E. Edgar Cayce New York Center’s store at 246 W. 30th St. or call 212.691.7690. Cayce products are also available at www.baar.com or 800-269-2502.

TAMING THE MALE COUGH

When an adult male has a cough you may more easily entice him with holistic cough medicine that contains rye whiskey. Simply called Cough Mixture 3 this Cayce formula is an aid for cough and cold, and for assistance in expectoration. It should be taken three to four times a day, or at night when there is the tendency for spasms of coughing. The Cayce formula is as follows. Dissolve 1 ounce of Rock Candy, as a syrup, in a pint of good rye whiskey and add the Syrup of Horebound-1/2 ounce, Glycerine-10 drops, and Elixir of Lactated Pepsin-10 drops. Shake this well together before the dose is taken. (303-25) this remedy may also appeal to women who can tolerate the whiskey.
SOUND ADVICE. MOST IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO TAKE COUGH REMEDIES AS SOON AS THE COUGH ACTS UP. IF THE COUGH IS PERSISTENT CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

HEALTHY WEALTH MEASUREMENT (C) By Polly Guerin

2010-10-12T08:40:00.001-07:00

Do you ever think about your self- worth? If what you are all about in life is merely based on your job status you’re heading in the wrong direction because a superficial attitude can affect your health, depression being one of those symptoms. When people get depressed more often than not it is based on loss of work. It’s easy to succumb and tally up yourself worth in the negative when all along you forgot about your self-worth. Joel Osteen, the popular TV minister, recently addressed the issue of self-worth stating that medical research has evaluated the human body and all of its amazing intricate parts and function as worth six million dollars.

THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN AND WOMAN

Osteen further attested that starting at this realization you perhaps never estimated your self-worth at such a high level. You’re actually wealthy, a unique 6 Million Dollar Man or Woman, which right off ought to push you up on the emotional scale of inner strength and self reliance. Now doesn’t that make you feel elated? You’re extremely valuable and can hold your head up high with confidence and dignity despite job loss concerns.

SHE WHO HESITATES

At a time when the job market is flooded with applicants it’s a wise decision to make a compromise. When a friend of mine lost her high figure job she held out for a position with equal remuneration, and refused to accept a position at lower pay. “Take it,” I said, but she did not heed my words and warning that she should not pass up this opportunity. However, by the time she realized her mistake, like Lily Bart in Edith Wharton’s book, The House of Mirth, when my friend and Lily finally decided to compromise the offers had ceased.

VOLUNTEERISM WORKS

It’s always better to be employed in the work force than to be out of it, and although unemployment insurance will tide you over this period in your life, what are you going to do with the time on your hands? In order to keep your skills polished and at top form now may be the time to fill up the vacant hours and volunteer in an organization where your expertise will not only contribute, but be noticed. Sometimes a volunteer job can turn into a permanent position. Volunteering will keep your skills polished and help to build your self esteem and boost your confidence. Giving back to community by contributing your time and skills adds a bonus to your 6 million dollar worth.

PLAN OF ACTION

When the job interviewer asks, “What have you been doing in the interim?” You’re volunteer work skills will provide a positive plus for you. Once you’re gainfully employed again improve upon your self-worth attitude and remember that your self-worth is based on who you are and how you live a healthy, positive life. Get vigilant about how you face any crisis and show family, friends and work associates how you value your self-worth because you have a unique role to perform not only in the workforce but in personal relationships as well.

Balanced Life...A Healthy Outlook (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-10-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Nowadays it seems that everyone’s calendar is so programmed and jammed with appointments that one wonders how they find time to simmer down and find balance in their life. There’s so much that draws us from one extreme to another in this busy, hectic world that it’s easy to overdo it. When it comes to investing time and energy, relating to other people and even eating we are constantly challenged to find balance in our life. The great American prophet, Edgar Cayce, the A.R.E., Association for Research and Enlightenment, often counseled people about the necessity to stay balanced saying in one reading, “All work and no play is as bad as all play and no work. (2597.2)
BALANCING RELATIONSHIPS
The daily pull on your personal resources of energy and nurturing, concern and compassion, can be a drain on a healthy relationship with family, friends and co-workers. When we give so much of ourselves to others we most often get out of balance because we forget to nurture and develop a healthy relationship with ourselves. As Cayce suggests it is possible to go through “burnout” in which so much energy is focused on the needs of others or the demands of the workplace that one loses the appreciation of self.” When the work schedule or pressure cooker family needs invade your personal time zone it’s time to re-evaluate how much you are neglecting yourself and what you need to do to regain balance.
LOVE OF ONESELF
I often think that I need to protect myself from the “needy” people I meet but remember that Cayce said, “Genuine love of oneself is quite different from selfishness, which ignores the needs of others—has a very important role to play in a balanced healthful life. We should find time to invest in ourselves.” Check point evaluation: How balanced are you in your daily life in regard to contributing to the welfare of others versus contributing to the welfare of yourself? In other words, it is important to invest daily in activities and interests that are self-nurturing and elevate your spirit in a balanced harmony that appreciates YOU.
CELEBRATING EACH DAY
My friend Kathy makes it a practice to do something special each day for herself and others. She says, “Every day is a cause of celebration, I do not wait for a birthday or holidays to do something special for myself or someone else. Whether it be listening patiently to a problem, or treating myself to a single rose or sending an unexpected gift of gratitude, these activities nurture my existence as well as the recipient of such gifts. The personal touch contributes to the welfare of others and the self-nurturing through these tokens of friendship helps me to keep a healthy balance in my life.”
INVESTING IN YOURSELF
Balancing relationships and investing sufficiently in yourself contributes to your overall health, your soundness of sleep and your patience in responding with love and compassion to challenging situations both at home and in the workplace, or just out there in the public domain. A healthy balance, a give and take, so to speak, is the key to satisfaction and a means to achieving a happy outlook on life without sacrificing self.

Sun Worshipping For Health (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-09-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

The benefit of sunlight has been much maligned and misunderstood. Based on medical advice people have been hiding from the sun to excape its deadly rays that might cause cancer or cataracts. Fearing the worst people would never leave their homes without sunscreen or dark sunglasses, particularly on bright, sunny days. Avoidance of the sun was the rule but new medical research now stresses the importance of sunlight, the major source of vitamin D, as an important daily ingredient for good health.
SUN FIGHTS DISEASE
The great American prophet Edgar Cayce preferred natural food over man-made sources of vitamins. Through the natural process of assimulation sunlight, Vitamin D, is absorbed through the skin with UV rays that benefit your health and on which the body depends to defend itself from infection. A good daily dosage of sunlight boosts your metabolism and can ward off depression and insomnia. At the same time, light signals also enter your eyes to regulate a healthy system. Cayce cautioned, “Let there not be too much activity in the middle of the day, or too much of sunshine. The early morning and the late afternoon are the more preferable times.” (934-2) Sunlight or sunbathing, where it is possible, energizes, rejuvenates and strengthens the body.
ANIMAL WISDOM
Animals instinctively seem to know about the benefits of sunlight. Even my little dog Colby seems to have a sage need for the sun and he didn’t need medical advice to tell him about sunlight’s benefits. On any day I can find him sitting in any very sunny spot basking in the sun’s warmth and nutrition. Sunlight and the penetration of its rays sustain the planet and directly play a part in our mental, emotional and spiritual well being.
SUNLIGHT HEALS
The ancient physicians knew about the power of sunlight. In ancient Greece patients were sent to healing temples in the “sun city” of Heliopolis. Extended sunbathing was a remedy for a host of ailments and when tuberculosis was at its height patients were sent to sanatoriums in the mountains in upper New York State and in Austria and Switzerland to bask in the open air. On a similar note Cayce recommended, “Keep in the sunshine as much as possible, with as few clothing as possible, would be well for the body.” (137-86)
REFLECTIVE RAYS
Standing outside at lunchtime by the concrete of an office building, shoveling or playing in the snow, basking at the beach on the sand can unexpectedly cause excessive sun exposure. That’s because the rays of the sun refocus and bounce back onto the surface of your body? You’ll get less of a burn or tan if you would go to a park than you would in these locations. The sun is at its peak of penetration in the summer months, whereas a midwinter day will affect significantly less damage than a July afternoon.
SUNLIGHT FOR LIFE
Protecting your skin from over exposure is of major concern, but sunlight is a life giving force that should not be denied. For individuals who seek to protect their skin the best choice is a non chemical sun block which is available at health stores. It will form a physical barrier to block out UV rays. After sun exposure it is best to soak in a cool tub to remove accumulated oil, sweat, and suntan lotion and restore the moisture to the skin. Although we are wisely advised that overexposure to the sun can be potentially damaging, the good news is that with controlled exposure to sunlight generates good health and a happy countenance.

BREATHING DEEPLY AND LIVING HEALTHY (C) By Polly Guerin

2010-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Breathing is something that we perform so automatically that we frequently take it for granted. Seldom do we concern ourselves with the function that keeps us inhaling and exhaling so consistently with rhythmic motion. However, very few of us realize how poorly so many of us perform this life-giving task. Edgar Cayce the great American psychic said in a reading on this subject, “rarely does the body breathe as deep as it should.” (2360-1) He further advised, “This lack of deep breathing can have serious consequences causing poor assimilation and fatigue.
FRESH AIR BREATHING
More than ever, people need to be concerned about breathing fresh air. The poor air quality polluting big cities, confinement in corporate offices, re-circulation of air on airplanes, enclosed gyms lacking open windows are all warning signs that our health is threatened. Breathing in fresh air, however, clarifies and purifies our system. Not only do our cells breathe, but so too does our skin. All the more reason to start the day breathing in fresh air before an open window. A brisk walk in the open air will also bring benefits replenishing the body with oxygen.
DEEP BREATHING
Why deep breathing? A lot of elimination takes place through the lungs and deep breathing clarifies and purifies the body. Cleansing the lungs is beneficial, especially when you exhale the breath completely, forcing the air out of the lungs and bringing in a complete change of air that will revitalize your body. Deep breathing not only drives oxygen down into the lower part of the lungs, but it also helps to eliminate carbon dioxide, which is the end product of fatigue.
BREATHING EXERCISE FOR HEALTH
Cayce’s readings on the subject of deep breathing exercise also placed great emphasis on stretching and bending exercises in the yoga tradition. One of the easiest exercises he recommended involves a mere three to five minutes in the morning and evening. Before an open window, of course, standing with feet on the floor, gently rise on the toes, and at the same time raise your arms high above the head. Breathe IN as the body rises, stretch backward to open up the chest and breathe OUT as you bring your arms down in front, lower your heels, cross arms and hug the body as you bend forward, forcing all the air out of the lungs. (1773-1) Repeat this exercise for the prescribed minutes and feel refreshed and re-energized.
BREATHE YOUR WAY TO LONGEVITY
Exchanging stale breath for fresh breath in the lungs is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from the body and keep yourself feeling and looking young. Just for a few minutes a day, morning and evening, deep breathing exercise rejuvenates the body, and improves circulation and elimination. For people seemingly trapped at their computer desk in office buildings in big cities it is important to get outdoors. Do not eat lunch sitting at your desk. Walk around the block, find a pocket park to rest and on weekends engage in outdoor activities that give life restoring energy to the body and bring the mind in harmony with nature.

Toxic Friends And Social Vampires (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Everyone has problems and needs support sometimes, that’s why good friends listen and offer counsel, solace or confirmation. However, some people just don’t know when to draw the line and become social vampires draining your patience and leaving you exhausted. If a friend demands attention, time and support without regard to your own life they’re being abusive and the friendship is heading for a showdown. Some so called friends use the friendship as a sounding board for their deep rooted anxieties and problems of such a personal nature that you feel like you’ve become an involuntary full time counselor. As Fred Astaire said to Ginger Rogers in one of those romantic comedies. “Let’s call the whole thing off.

REGOGNIZING TOXIC TYPES
You may wonder how you ever became involved in the first place, but it can happen so fast you don’t realize that you’re dealing with a narcissistic, financially irresponsible, selfish or whiny individual. It’s easy to be drawn in by a toxic person because by nature you’re a good listener, but now is the time to cut the ties that bind. Detaching yourself from people and situations that are not good for you is necessary to preserve your own mental health and well being.

THE NARCISSIST

It’s all about “them” and you never get a chance to get a word in edge wise. Even if you try to inject a comment your words are ridden over as unheard as the narcissist drones about every itsy bitsy news about their ills, their uninteresting life and friends who you do not know, nor do you care to know, and a sundry laundry list of self-absorbed topics. The narcissist never concludes with an inquiry into your life, they’re only interested in dumping on anyone who will listen. Do not ever return a phone call to such a person and put a safety net around yourself and banish such a person from your life permanently.

THE COMPLAINER

No matter what you say the complainer never seems to look on the positive side of any situation. They always seem to overreact. Instead they find the negative point of view in every aspect of their life. Unfortunately their constant pessimism can distract you from your positive affirmation and infect your usual sunny personality. Perhaps you need to let the complainer down gently and say, “I know you must have some valued reasons to complain, but I am not qualified and you really should try to speak to a professional counselor to resolve these issues.” Don’t ever return this person’s phone call and if they do trap you don’t answer the phone or answer an email.

THE SELF -APPOINTED CRITIC

The self-appointed authoritative critic has something to say on just about everything and everyone. Whether it’s the way you dress, manage your lifestyle or how you raise your children this self-appointed critic has the quintessential answer and it isn’t pleasant. Often this critic is a family member and manages to cast a pale over any gathering. The critic may say things that are hurtful and sometimes damaging: “Are you sure that’s the right hairstyle for you?” Or “Did you know that Fran and Joe are having financial difficulties.” It’s not so easy to rid yourself of the home-style critic but you can take steps to stop them in their tracks and say, “It’s impolite to say such things, please do not do so in the future?” You may leave them speechless, but they’ve been warned.

THE DREAM SQUELCHER

Everyone needs support, encouragement and enthusiasm, but the dream squelcher can be the worst kind of so-called friend. They never seem to relish anyone’s achievements. They are mum on compliments. Worst the dream squelcher can never bring themselves up a notch to champion your new ideas or dreams of creating something new, changing jobs, moving on to a new adventure. In other words, they are so hideously jealous of anyone’s success they’d just don’t have it in them to rally up with compliments or praise. Steer clear of such an individual, don’t share your joy with them, and refuse all invitations. Worst their negativity can put the flames of your passionate dreams out permanently.

EXERCISE FOR HEALTH

Exercise is often recommended to relieve tension caused by toxic people. Edgar Cayce in one of his readings recommended, “A general exercise, but as stipulated a great deal of exercise would be given to the body, that makes for a better balancing in the system. The better is walking or rowing.” (3374-1)

PERHAPS YOU CANNOT CHANGE A TOXIC PERSON’S BEHAVIOR BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR OWN AND FIND A WAY TO LESSEN THAT PERSON’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE.

WATER, The Ordinary H2O Cure (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-08-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

You’ve heard it over and over again, “Drink plenty of water!”

Doctors, chiropractors and health practitioners all agree that dehydration can cause mild to severe health problems. Drinking water therefore is crucial for overall good health and especially for mental clarity. In a polluted society Toxemia, the presence of a toxic substance in the blood is another major concern because being toxic probably applies to most everyone in modern life. Water is a natural flushing agent and can rid the system of disturbing forces in the body. Edgar Cayce, the great American prophet had this to say about the virtue of water.
DRINK TO REPLENISH
Like the other authorities mentioned here, Cayce also recommended six to eight glasses of water for the average person each day unless he/she is suffering from a specific illness. In one of his readings he said, “Drink plenty of water. No stimulants, as tea or coffee. Herb teas, however, are acceptable . The care of the body in general---keeping plenty of water for the system, internal and external will build the body to its normal resistance.” (583-4). He also pointed out the importance of water as an aid to digestion and assimilation.
CHOOSING A BRAND
Plastic bottled water has recently come under fire as a health concern and many people are changing to metal dispensers. However, if you are still purchasing bottled water remember that the label may be enticing, the location of the water source may be exotic, but it is important to check that the brand you buy is what the label claims, not bottled tap water. Cayce recommended to use spring water or distilled water for drinking. However, Spa water is another topic. A spa is a place where nature brings forth a spring whose water is either hot or has an unusually high mineral content. Many people attest to the benefits of drinking these waters but it is best to consult your physician before making travel plans.
WATER ENHANCERS
The prospect drinking six to eight glasses of water may seem like a daunting task to some individuals, but don’t get discouraged, simply add a little flavor to the water to give it a tangy boost. Though a dash of lemon or lime juice will add zest to the fluid, do as the tony spas do and add slices of cucumber or sprigs of lemongrass. Herb teas are acceptable enhancers to plain water, but skip the sugar. Ice cubes also add flavor and can be made more interesting. Just freeze the cubes with berries of your choice or grapes. No ordinary water ice cubes will do however. Remember to use the same distilled or spring water for these tangy ice cube enhancers.
FLUSHING OUT FAT
Fancy diets may be all the fad but water can not only detox the body, it fights fat as well. According to a Virginia Tech University study, there’s a simple trick that makes you feel full even before you start eating. All you need do is to slowly drink a sixteen ounce glass of water before each meal, and as much additional water during the day to complete your 8 glasses full capacity. Of course, you’ll need to coordinate this fat fight cure with a sensible diet, perhaps even consult a nutritionist but most important before starting this regime, consult your doctor first.
SOUND ADVICE
Water is a rich commodity and in some countries it is so rare that there are water wars. Let us give praise to the health benefits of water so freely available to us in this country. Best advice from my savvy mother. “Don’t reach for hot java, upon first arising take a glass of warm spring water, not so hot that it is objectionable, and drink it slowly to let the fluid clarify the system of poisons.”

Hailitosis Bad Breath Health Hazard (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-08-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Even a legendary icon like Clark Gable could have bad breath. It is part of Hollywood legend the Tara’s Vivien Leigh did not like kissing Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind because he had terrible breath. So like these star crossed lovers is bad breath keeping you from having a romantic lifestyle but most importantly is it hampering your health? I can’t understand the movies they portray tony people sitting in bed and being served a breakfast tray. Obviously they did not have to brush their teeth first or gargle away the night’s sludge on their breath. Or how about those commercials about gargling. Here’s the scoop!!!
FOOD LODGES IN THE MOUTH
Well, according to reliable sources probably the most important thing you can do for bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth at least 2 times every day, because food sticks between your teeth, around your gums and on your tongue. The great American prophet Edgar Cayce said that bad breath in most cases also comes from improper elimination and/or decaying teeth. Cayce recommended internal cleansing with colonics, castor oil packs, a balanced diet, and when he was asked, “How can I get rid of bad breath?” Cayce’s replied, “By making for better conditions in eliminations. Take GlycoThymoline as an intestinal antiseptic. Two, three times a day.” (Reading: 5198-1) GlycoThymoline is available at the Cayce Center in New York City.
BAD BREATH CAUSES
Offensive bad breath is most noticeable in the morning and it tends to increase in concentration with advancing age. It can be caused by numerous excesses including smoking, drinking, eating toxic foods like onions, garlic and exotic spices or taking certain medication. Naturally, if you have a decaying tooth in your mouth or diseased gums, the bad breath may be a symptom of a condition that requires a visit to the dentist. It can also be an indication of a health problem, such as diabetes or sinus infection and a warning sign to consult your doctor.
TO GARGLE OR NOT TO GARGLE
Fresh Mint, Spearmint and Peppermint: There are many refreshing mouthwashes on the market but to gargle alone will not entirely eliminate the problem. Good oral hygiene is the basic approach. Even a toothbrush can be toxic. When was the last time you bought a new one? Most mouthwashes do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath, and the more you use a mouthwash, the more you will have to use it because once the astringency and tart taste are gone, your mouth may need another swishing. If you do use a mouthwash, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. If you have dry mouth drink more water or suck on a sugar-free mint.
THE SOCIAL IMPACT
In general people are so concerned about bad breath that the mouthwash industry is a profitable business. Between the massive purchases of mouthwashes and mouth spritzers people know that bad breath just isn’t socially acceptable. Whether in the workplace or at home truly bad breath can be a deterring factor that may provoke the loss of friendship and even romance. Unpleasant bad breath can easily be avoided. However, if you cannot get rid of bad breath on your own, don’t hesitate to consult your family doctor of find out if there is a more serious condition causing it. Well said, but I'm buying new toothbrush and floss today and will gargle to my heart's content afterward.

Honey, Nature's Health Elixir (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-07-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the cunning little yellow and black critters, the bee turns nectar from flowers and plants into honey and stores it as a food source in the extraordinary wax honeycombs inside the beehive. Such architects of honeycomb construction are nature’s builders, and as humans we depend on this elixir of health not only as a sweetener, but as a food, drink and even medicine. Honey application to the skin is a good tonic to soothe burns, chapped lips, skin problems and it even helps to cure a sore throat. When humans harvest honey they typically either process it for resale in grocery stores and other outlets. As such these are good products but, I prefer raw honey which is typically found in health food stores, holistic and farmers’ markets.

A SWEET ELIXIR

When the great American prophet Edgar Cayce was asked, “What type of sweets may be eaten by the body?” He replied, “Honey, especially in the honeycomb; or preserves made with beet rather than cane sugar. Not too great a quantity of any of these, of course, but the forces in sweets to make for the proper activity through the action of the gastric flows are as necessary as body-building elements. Hence two or three times a week the honey upon the bread or the food values would furnish that necessary in the whole system.” How could I forget this sound advice? I remember my father’s favorite treat was spreading honey on toast.

HONEY THROUGHOUT THE AGES

The benefits of honey were discovered since the dawning of civilization. The frequent Biblical references to milk and honey provide a clue to the importance of these two oldest nutrients. Further evidence, provided in the archives of ancient cultures, include documents from, India, Egypt, Persia, Babylon and Assyria that attest to the fact that bees were already domesticated and extensively used for a variety of nutrient purposes and medicine. Honey in the ancient world was a valued commodity. Taxes and tributes were imposed in the form of payments of honey and wax. It was the equivalent to currency. Honey played a vital role in domestic life throughout the age and continues to do so today.

“HONEY” AND BEAUTY

It may have been by accident that a beekeeper’s wife discovered that working with honey during the collecting season her hands became soft and smooth. So she gave herself a honey facial. Honey in cosmetics is as popular today as it was for the ancients. Poppea, the comely wife of Nero, who employed a hundred slaves to attend her beauty, used honey and tepid asses’ milk as a face lotion. Roman women knew a thing or two about this cosmetic tonic and even Louis XV’s mistresses, Madame du Barry and other royals used honey in their toilet preparations. Honey packs, honey masks honey facials and hand creams are easily available today so that modern women can soften her skin and soothe facial wrinkles. For an at-home remedy simply pull your hair back and apply raw liquid honey to your face and neck and let it stand 15 minutes then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Voila!!! There my dear is all you need do as a regular beauty regimen.

A WORLD WITHOUT HONEY

Bee colonies have been threatened quite recently and honey bee colonies have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The good news is that the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. (a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) is studying this dilemma and reports that honey bee colony loses are down from previous reports. The cause they cite is a parasite and some say it’s caused by inbreeding. Nonetheless, measures are being taken to address the problem and to restore the bee colonies.

HONEY FOREVER

The beauty regime of Italian and Spanish women gives us cause to consider the benefits of honey. Their beautiful complexions are due not solely to olive oil but also to honey, which will greatly improve not only the color but the texture of the skin. No need to restrict its use to external application do as the Creole women of Louisiana suggest and rub your entire body with a lotion consisting of honey and water, to which add spices of your choice. Nature’s greatest gift is honey the golden elixir to good health that helps to stimulate and support the body’s own healing process.

Herbs That Make You Feel Better (c) By Polly Guerin

2010-07-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Cultivating herbs for health is so easy that you can grow them in your window box or garden and reap the “feel good” benefits without even leaving home. Right at your fingertips for so little effort herbs’ have an innate ability to lift one’s spirits, produce calm, boost memory and mood, and even lower anxiety. You don’t need to be a gardener to plant herbs that contain the seeds of health-promoting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory seeds of renewal. Fresh herbs’ potency is higher than the dried variety. All the reason to grow your own.
PLANTER’S ADVICE
To plant an herb garden all you need are some earthenware flower pots, a window box or a sunny spot in your backyard or front lawn. The good news for amateur gardeners is that in general, herbs tend not to be very fussy about soil, don’t require optimal fertilization, and are seldom bothered to any extent by bugs. If your local nursery doesn’t have herbs find them on the Internet at horizonherbs.com. During the growing season, keep the plants moist and cut them back frequently to encourage growth. Imagine the convenience and the pleasure of plucking herbs to enhance any meal.
ROSEMARY PLEASURES
With its green earthiness and fragrant essence, Rosemary can help to reduce joint pain and is effective for weakness in the limbs. Both tension and depression are said to respond to the charms of rosemary. Greek students must have known that rosemary improves memory. Why else would they have worn garlands of rosemary around their heads? Chefs know a thing or two about rosemary in the kitchen. It can perk up the simplest meal. Toss it into salads, tie it into bunches for the stock pot, give a roast a boost and add jazz up dressing oil, stir it into softened butter for topping baked potatoes, whisk it into eggs for omelets, stir it into mayonnaise or mustard---are all delicious ways to get the goodness.
PEPPY PEPPERMINT
Peppermint’s brisk aroma and stimulating taste make it a fine beverage anytime to perk up a lackluster feeling, and it has the wonderful ability to make the stomach happy, settles and upset stomach and is an excellent remedy when you feel nauseous. Peppermint tea soothes headaches so drink a few strong cups and lie down and let nature over pills takes its course of recovery. The source of menthol, peppermint is one of the oldest household remedies and grows easily in almost any garden. A word of caution!!! Peppermint is such a vigorous grower that you must watch your peppermint patch carefully or it will completely take over your garden, lawn or window box. This is one plant that grows best in a separate bed. Put zest into any salad with fresh peppermint tossed in with the greens; add it to cream cheese for a tangy flavor. Sprigs of peppermint enhance summer coolers and other libations.
SAGE STIMULANTS
There’s no need to purchase expensive mouth washes, sage is highly valued, primarily as a gargle and mouthwash and for relieving sore throat pain or inflamed gums. However, you don’t have to have a problem to enjoy the bracing effect of sage. For a soothing beverage add half an ounce of fresh sage leaves to the juice of one lemon or lime. Sweeten with honey and infuse in a quart of boiling water. Remove from the heat, strain and serve hot or cold. My grandmother had an excellent winter tonic. Put a cup of fresh sage in an electric blender, mix and pulverize at high speed then pour into a bottle of claret or burgundy. To reap the benefits, during the winter months, sip small amounts, perhaps diluted in a small amount of water. Oh, so good to ease sore throats!!! Sage is a hardy perennial and likes a sunny area without strong wind and plenty of water, especially when it is young.
RED HOT CAYENNE
Don’t limit your enjoyment of cayenne to putting it on hoagies and steak sandwiches. Cayenne is one of the most effective herb medicines to treat fevers and when digested it is a harmless internal disinfectant. It’s best to take a capsule or two followed by two heaping glasses of water. Other authorities recommend cayenne as a powerful stimulant and a hangover remedy. If you can stomach the heat, mature red peppers are bursting not only with heat, but nutrition. They have more vitamin C than anything else that you grow in your garden. Cultures that eat goodly amounts of hot peppers every day are also getting important amounts of iron, potassium, and niacin from these spicy foods. Cayenne plants should do as well as tomatoes or eggplant in the garden and when perfectly dry, the peppers can be ground into a fine powder and stored for later use.
BIBLICAL REFERENCES
Wild herbs have been long known from almost all historical writings to possess “curative” or healing qualities. Its beginnings have been traced back thousands of years. In the Bible, for example, over 100 plants are mentioned which have uses beyond their edible properties. Native American Indians used herbs on the American plains to cure a variety of ills and legions of ancient military doctors schooled in folk medicine have saved lives with the use of herb poultices. Mothers of yesteryear, schooled in the use of herbs, were the first nurses in a family, but few, if any young mother’s today, continue that tradition of herbal care. However, it is comforting to know that modern medicine is beginning to realize that many herbs, used wisely, are the gateway to maintaining or restoring health. If you want to learn more: Read Mark Bricklin’s book “Natural Healing,” (Rodale Press), a practical encyclopedia of natural healing.

RAINBOW RESULTS With Chakra Colors (c) by Polly Guerin

2010-06-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

There’s more in a rainbow than meets the eye. It’s all the colors naturally found in sunlight split apart, enabling you to see each color separately but each rainbow color helps you to energize the Chakra centers in your body. A rainbow can send your spirits soaring, it can pump up your energy and even send stress beyond the rainbow. Waiting for a rainbow to appear to reap the benefits doesn’t happen with enough regularity to bring results. To quicken the pace just place a glass of water on a windowsill or better yet hang crystal beads in a window. As the sun’s rays pass through, rainbows will tweak your day in amazing ways.

HAVE A RAINBOW DAY

In my book, The Message is in the Rainbow © 2009 I discuss the powerful ‘feel good’ results that can be achieved merely by focusing on a particular color in the rainbow spectrum. Your root charka center is associated with the color red, your sacral center with the color orange, your solar plexus with the color yellow, your heart center with green, your throat center with blue, your brow center with indigo and your crown center with violet and white. Simply by visualizing the color can produce amazing results. How? Well to assist the process you could place a sheer chiffon scarf in a particular color over your head or purchase colored jells in an art store and hold them in your eye view.

JUMPSTART ENERGY WITH RED

Red is a passionate color and coloring your root chakra with red sends warmth and energy soaring through this center. The energy surge of Red has been known to stimulate circulation and give you that “Can Do” attitude. So don’t let cloudy days dim your outlook on life, carry a red umbrella. Wear red when you want to attract attention, but don’t wear a red suit to the job interview it might just get the interviewer flared up like a bull and your toreador skills won’t come in handy in this situation. Red is drama at the zenith of attention grabbing colors, no wonder sale signs blare their message in red. Put out the welcome mat and paint the entrance hall with touches of red. Its message puts an upbeat spin on entertaining.

TAKE AN ORANGE PLUNGE

Nothing invites happiness more than the color orange. Orange may lack the passion of red but its innate value as a happiness booster makes you feel more confident and energetic. Not everyone can wear orange but a splash of tangerine coaxes affection and perhaps a kiss. Perhaps now is the time to redecorate the family room. Paint a wall warm salmon and turn it into an inviting gathering space with plush orange plump pillows tossed on the sofa. Orange has a gentle flame of its own coloring warmth, enthusiasm and a joyful spirit. Think of a juicy orange and sink your teeth into the aroma that invites you to share the simple goodness of the fruit and happiness.

DIP INTO SUNNY YELLOW

Sunlight and sunflowers guarantee to boost optimism. I’ve often heard people say, “My, doesn’t she have a sunny disposition.” Such a person seems to have captured the sun inside their personality. They are always such a joy to be around. A bedroom decorated with sunny yellow sheets can bath you in a comfy warm glow and lull you to sleep in a bed of happy dreams. A bouquet of sunflowers plucked from the flower fields in Southern Europe has that homespun quality that seems to make the view come up with visions of a simpler, happy time. A dark hallway can be cheered up with yellow paint and lead the way to a warm reception.

HARMONIOUS GREEN

Who would ever think that green could have so many benefits? Every time you visual green or see it in décor you can feel the calm balancing quality of this color. Why? It encourages people to get along with each other and stifles argumentative confrontations in the home or office environment. It is Mother Nature’s color with the promise of rejuvenation, refreshing and rebirthing not only the spring season but with similar effects in home décor. Warm up your rooms with green grassy color and invited the outdoors in. It is associated with the heart chakra where compassion and love dwells.

BLUE HEAVEN AND PEACE

There’s a touch of serenity in the color blue. No wonder it’s America’s favorite color. It has a sense of permanency associated with the color of the constant sky, the cool waters of a pristine lake and the azure beauty in a rainbow. Blue imbues one’s psyche with calm it lowers your blood pressure and stabilizes your heart rate. When it comes to stressful moments stay ‘cool and collected’ seeing yourself through with blue visualization. True blue is Navy the color of authority and trustworthiness. Pile on the blue, especially in the bedroom the private oasis of calm and rest.

INDIGO BLUE THE ALL-SEEING EYE

The Indigo energy center is located just between your eyebrows, which is commonly called the third eye chakra. This is the center of intuitive thinking and a search for enlightenment is at its core. Such individuals are likely to be highly spiritual thinkers, perhaps motivational speakers. They inspire and uplift thinking to its highest level of development. Think Indigo and find your own spiritual awakening or let creativity flow as it never has done before. Indigo invites you to expand and to explore the universe. Make your world more meaningful and capture Indigo from the rainbow.
Make your home, your life a rainbow of happy, positive possibilities.

TONIC IN A TEACUP HEALTH BENEFITS (c)

2010-06-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Mary Cassatt's FIVE O'CLOCK TEA

TONIC IN A TEACUP ©
By Polly Guerin

Tea in the afternoon, tea parties, tea anytime may be a popular pastime but besides the comfort factor lies the many health benefits that drinking tea can provide. Plucked from Mother Nature’s tea garden tea not only quenches thirst, but it encourages friendship and conversation. Most significantly tea can be health promoting. Folk medicine, for example, has long valued tea for sore throats and upset stomachs. However, most people are not aware of which teas are the most beneficial. However, all teas are not created equal.

GREEN TEA IS SUPREME

A host of ailments appear to benefit positively from drinking green tea. Some studies have proven results but many health benefits are attributed to ancient folk lore and common sense. According to modern day researchers antimicrobial molecules contained in green tea helps to preserve teeth, but here’s the catch, as long as you don’t add sugar. Green tea could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, but assuredly the brew adds sparkle not only to the day but to your eyes. Depression may need medical attention, but regular exercise and drinking green tea creates the serenity, an oasis of calm that deflects negativity.

INSOMNIA BUSTER

One of the best is chamomile tea which has long been recognized by traditional herbalists as a harmless sedative. In laboratory tests patients were relieved of anxiety and fell into a deep slumber short after drinking chamomile tea. If you have insomnia, drinking herbal tea is not a magic potion. You cannot count on tea alone to induce sleep. The right kind of exercise can also aid the sleep process. It doesn’t mean that you have to exercise before retiring, but a good walk after dinner will be beneficial as well exercise done earlier in the day. Peppermint tea's brisk aroma and stimulating taste make it a fine hot beverage to soothe the stomach and even counteract headaches.

SCENTED TEAS

It’s a pleasant sensory pleasure to smell the aroma of brewed tea laced with spices, but here’s the catch, is the spiced tea real or is the scent sprayed on? Look at the label and the ingredients on spiced tea. It should contain pieces of actual spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, orange or lemon peel. That would be a genuine brew to satisfy your olfactory senses and at the same time provide soothing health benefits. Tea tastes vary; one tea enthusiast squirts lemon in her cup but may cringe at the sight of another pouring milk or honey. Don’t make this issue be a ‘tempest in a teacup,’ over nothing but preference. Just drink your tea and be satisfied.

A BRIEF TEA HISTORY

The birth of tea was quite a serendipitous event. Legend has it that one day in 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was boiling water and some leaves from a nearby Camellia sinensis plant floated into the pot. When the emperor drank the brew he declared the potion he unwitting had brewed that day as tea. The incarnation of the tea bag was equally serendipitous when a Boston tea merchant (1900-05) began sending samples of tea in small silk bags to customers to try. And you know what happened next, the convenient little sacks of tea came to dominate the tea market. Iced tea made its debut in 1904 at the Louisiana State Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Mo when the Far East Tea House couldn’t attract fair goers. After some quick witted person poured the hot tea over ice cubes, iced tea saved the day and is one of summer’s popular beverages.

TEA TIME TRIVIA

Our vocabulary is full of tea time trivia; a teacup full for one and how about ‘a tempest in a teacup’ an uproar about little or nothing. Drinking tea has also spurned a host of likely products from tea carts, to an elegant silver or chinaware tea service, the tea caddy, tea cozy, tea towels, tea cakes, tea biscuits, and social events like a tea party, a tea dance, a tea ball. But most of all let’s consider taking a ‘tea break,’ in the morning or afternoon to grant us an intermission from work and to savor tea’s delicious qualities and health benefits.

POETRY THERAPY A HEALTHY REMEDY (c)

2010-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month

POETRY THERAPY

A HEALTHY REMEDY ©
By Polly Guerin

Poetry is often neglected in today’s high tech society resulting most significantly by the preoccupation by individuals with text messaging, cell phone use, iPods and other mechanical devises. This causes a cold interaction with plastic and metal that does not enhance the human spirit. Constant use of high tech devices can cause an individual to feel out of sync with one of life’s greatest pleasures: the written or spoken word. The reading and reciting poetry has lingering and uplifting vibrations exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts. Poetry can also be a health benefit that helps to create a feeling of serenity, an oasis of calm or an avenue of encouragement or enlightenment.

READING & RECITING POETRY

There’s a great deal of pleasure to be had when you are alone just by reading poetry, but reciting it out loud could also give you considerable satisfaction as the words replenish beautiful thoughts. When a few friends gather in a poetry circle and someone with a lovely voice recites the inspired words aloud the affect can have positive vibes on the listeners in the group. When deciding on poems to read, at first chose poems for their simplicity, mood and message. Just as they do in a book club, after the poem is read, engage the friendship circle in a lively discuss of shared responses to the poem. I remember how a delightful friend with an exquisite tone to her voice as well as her ability to articulate certain words with emphasis at a holiday party recited the poem, “T’was The Night Before Christmas.” (Clement Clarke Moore) Although many of us had read this poem many times before, as we heard it read out loud we were spellbound as if held my some magical force that elevated our holiday cheer.

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE

In my poem Broken Pieces, (by Polly guerin3/30/2010) for example, there is a message that each person can clearly define merely by reading it. As my dear friend Jan Cullinen said, “I really enjoyed it. Your positive outlook on life is so welcome in a world gone mad!” Yes, poetry can lift us out of the deluge of a computer driven and high tech society. If recited before retiring poetry can lull us to sleep, by day it can uplift our lackluster spirit, it can replenish our need to be centered and calm and it can have such a soothing effect that can make the workday seemingly pass with relative ease and efficiency.

BROOKEN PIECES ©

For your pleasure here is Broken Pieces: How am I to mend a broken heart? Each jagged piece is where I start; This tiny broken angle is a fragile part, of a treasured teacup bought on a lark; It began one Spring day, joy to savor, Something wonderful was in our favor; Life Unfolds with many twists ‘n turns, Like these broken pieces I learned; The glue of life reminds me anew, Of opportunities before we knew; Though rainy days will surely come, Keep courage up before you’re done; Amazing things are in God’s plan, Gluing the teacup pieces says ‘I can;’ Reap the rewards that are on their way, Be prepared mend the cup, don’t delay; Mold the teacup into a positive whole, Make solid affirmations your goal; Count your riches, family friends, Your joyful renewal should never end; Abundant life ‘n health your cup is full, Gluing teacup pieces is all you need do.”

REACTION TO THE POEM

I adore getting feedback from my friends and acquaintances and share a few with you. Patt Mihailoff, a celebrated author of mystery and romantic novels said, “Dear Polly, Only you can write though provoking prose about a broken tea cup and make it whole and beautiful once more. Thank you for sharing Broken Pieces.” Andrew Baseman of Andrew Baseman Design, an interior designer also mends antique broken pieces of china said, “Thanks so much for sharing your poem Broken Pieces. I forwarded your poem to the editor of Tea Time magazine.” Dear reader, won’t you please make a comment to this poem of your own or tell me about your favorite poem at the end of this blog in the comment section? If you do, thank you I will look forward to reading your response.

WRITE A POEM OF YOUR OWN

Why not write your own poem, you can do it and you do not need to be a wordsmith either. Keep it simple, rhyming two lines to start and before you know it you’ve created an inspiring work straight from your heart. Share it with your poetry circle; share it with family and friends. Read it out loud and savor the words as they flow gently from your imagination and inspired spirit. Wherever you live take the opportunity to attend poetry readings, be brave enough to ask if you might recite your own poem at another session. Get into the poetry grove and discover the great pleasure that poetry can bring to uplift your emotions, revitalize your appreciation and help you to recover the true meaning of a creative life.

RUBBING PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY MASSAGE BENEFITS (C)

2010-05-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Relax, Rejuvenate, Revitalize, Revive Your Stamina, Massage Benefits (c)
By Polly Guerin

Demystifying the myth that massage is only a luxury pastime for individuals who frequent a tony Spa, it is evident that massage has come mainstream and is recognized today as a link to many health benefits. According to a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, massage therapy will not only tone up the body’s immune system, but also decrease pain and relieve other health symptoms. Edgar Cayce, the great American prophet who amazed the medical profession with his knowledge of health remedies also endorsed massage, “For the hydrotherapy and massage are preventive as well as curative measures. For the cleansing of the system allows the body-forces themselves to function normally, and thus eliminate poisons, congestions and conditions that would acute through the body.” (257-254)

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Massage or (manipulation) is the oldest and most instinctive healing method. In fact, studies have shown that by holding and cuddling premature babies they have a better survival rate. Babies and children, even teenagers and adults need to experience human touch because it plays an important role in mental and emotional development. In humans, quiet stroking of different parts of the body brings about a relaxing semi-hypnotic feeling that has a more favorable effect on the nervous system than tranquilizers or sleeping pills. The list goes on but the truth of the matter remains that after thousands of years of experience, it is easy to understand why massage administered by the human hand can never be supplanted by any machine or vibrator.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage is the active and passive movements of the joints, muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments. Pressure and stretching may also be used in this therapy. Cayce recommended, “Take not just a few minutes, but set a period and make of it an occasion when the massage is given. Take from thirty minutes to an hour and a half to do it.” (l688-7).
A weekly massage can be both stimulating and relaxing. It affects every part of the body---nerves, organs, glands, circulation and muscular tone. It’s a ‘Feel Good’ therapy that is readily available at numerous, reasonably priced accredited venues. There are all types of massage available today. Whether it be Swedish massage or any other discipline the treatment is relatively the same. Caution: To address any medical concerns always consult your primary doctor first who can recommend a qualified and certified massage therapist. Edgar Cayce also said, “Those who would take a peanut oil rub each week need never fear arthritis. (1206-31).

HISTORICAL LORE

The curative powers of massage has been the foundation health remedies in many ancient cultures. There are records of massage being used in China as back as 3000 B.C. Although massage is usually given with the hands but among some cultures, such as Japan, the elbow or forearm is used. Folklore tells that in Russia at harvest fairs, “walking the bear” was a practice using a small honey bear that was trained to walk up and down the patient’s back. For the peasant farmer the treatment provided vast relief from bending and working the fields. The ancient Polynesians idea of massage had a similar effect. Massage was given by walking up and down on the patient while he was lying down. Asclepiades, who practiced in Greece and Rome (circa 140 B.C.), promoted the use of massage as part of a diet, water, and active and passive exercise practice.

RUBBING PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY

May literally be a way to cure the world of its aggression, road rage, fatigue, depression and a host of other nasty ailments that make daily life less durable. So, next time you find yourself getting irritable consider massage as the life-giving antidote to all that ails you.

POSTURE PERFECT HEALTH BENEFITS (C)

2010-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

POSTURE PERFECT HEALTH BENEFITS ©
By Polly Guerin
A perfect posture, to a large extent, mirrors your reaction to life. All the twists and turns of your destiny are reflected in your “carriage,” which is the manner of bearing your body to project a positive image to the admiring public. Those of us who feel we have the world on a string and everything’s coming up roses walk chin up, heads held high greeting each day with optimism and a happy outlook, and looking up as they do; they tend to have a heightened spirituality. Most likely they smile more and react to the slightest confrontation with a calm and peaceful conclusion. We envy such people, because they appear to be far better looking than they may deserve, but their good posture leads the onlooker to think they are more richly endowed, more likely a superman or superwoman with perfect posture.

EXERCISE, ENERGIZE

When I was a teenager, my mother used to place a book on head and taught me how to walk like a lady, but the concrete streets of New York City where I live now pose navigating problems. Uprooted concrete slabs become stumbling blogs so I can’t always look up and my good posture becomes compromised, because I must look down to avoid a spill. Instead, I must be careful to catch these faults before they make me, or anyone else for that matter, fall on their piazza. So to keep the body fit and upright and maintain a good posture I need to pump up my daily exercise regime.

AVOID PREMATURE AGING

Dr. Scott Keller, Caycean chiropractor at the A.R.E. Cayce New York Center, points out that bad posture can lead to a variety of health related heart and circulatory problems, arthritis and even aging. It further contributes to the aging process and causing you to look older than your time.” Gravity seems to be tugging at our body. It may cause rounded shoulders, and there is nothing more dangerous for the lungs for it makes it difficult for the lungs to expand and to take in air, which is essential to flush our stagnant air, and provide oxygen for the brain. As we grow older the body tends to take a downward sag dragging with it the chest, lowering the ribs and the abdomen, but attention to a daily exercise program can do wonders to avoid this condition. Exercise, Dr. Keller says, “Will not only strengthen the chest and abdominal muscles that hold the body firmly upright, it will add to a general toning of the entire body.” If exercise has been neglected, for quite some time, it might be a good idea to engage a ‘trainer,’ who can work along with you to address specific areas of concern.

POOR POSTURE SIGNALS

Droop, Stoop, Slump, Slouch, Sloop, Slide, Sink: this is the downward spiral bending the body towards the ground. Poor posture seemingly attacks the body’s fortitude to stand upright and clearly indicates that something is wrong, mentally or physically. Carrying the weight of disappointments on our shoulders can cause the body to lean forward, and in some cases even bend sideward. In more severe cases poor posture may be caused by a medical condition, perhaps the beginning of osteoporosis. Further abetting poor posture can also be caused when physical fitness has been neglected. You were born to stand proud and erect. It is not a privilege, it is your birthright. PLEASE TAKE A SEAT Take a seat, won’t you, but please sit in a proper position. In modern living we are often exposed to round-shoulder occupations. Many office workers or individuals working at home, where no one can observe them, are sitting in their chairs incorrectly. They are bent over slightly into their work or advancing over the keys towards the computer with no back support. Instead they should be sure to be sitting in computer chair configured to support the body, keeping the head held high and the shoulders back. If you’re tied to the chair with work hour after hour, that would also contribute to back pain, even headaches. Health professionals advise such individuals to take frequent breaks and walk around the office, walk to the rest room, or even go out for a 10 minute fresh air break to sap fatigue and restore good posture. DO’S AND DON’TS OF GOOD POSTURE Many back problems which cause poor posture can be avoided, just tap into your memory and remember that it’s best to never sit or stand in one place for a very long time which can cause curvature of the spin. Ladies and gentlemen: Why carry heavy books or groceries, when you can take them with you in a drag along case? When you need to pick something off the floor, bend the knees and drop down gracefully and never, ever lift heavy objects without help. The challenge to keep up a good first impression with perfect posture is a fight against the downward pull of gravity, but with physical fitness and a positive image, winners take all with a well conditioned body and brilliant mind energized, positive and healthy.

THE JOY OF SINGING, THE JOY OF HEALTH (C)

2010-04-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

By Polly Guerin

There have surely been some vocal phenomenon’s, like Enrico Caruso, a voice of such rare beauty that he was named “the Master of Natural Singing.” In the book, “Caruso’s Method of Voice Production,” by Doctor B. Mario Marafioti, M.D (D. Appleton and Company 1922) wrote, “Experts on voice believe that the principal feature of Caruso’s golden voice was the striking power of his health, due to the exceptional strength of his muscles. In reference to another physical factor was Caruso’s breath, which he always had at his disposal; the most generous supply of air, which he supported wonderfully by his control of the diaphragm. The natural placement of his voice in the very center of masque was also a prominent feature.” Dr. Marafioti ought to know. He was for many years the personal physician of Caruso and official physician of the Metropolitan Opera Company.

SINGING NATURALLY

In a letter Caruso wrote to Dr. Marafioti, “I, myself, have always felt that something natural has inspired and guided my art.” Nature then must be the answer to the natural instincts to sing. Might not therefore even the layman seeking better health benefit from singing whilst improving their mind with learning? Singing which is a natural phenomenon therefore may be the best exercise for any individual who seeks to acquire good breath control and better health. If you can talk, you can sing for your own amazement but there are more opportunistic ways to achieve your goal. For the novice singer it is important to acquire basic sight reading skills and to take voice lessons. You can then audition for a choral society where repertoire will improve one’s mind and quality of life.

JOINING A CHORAL SOCIETY

A choral society member told me a most interesting story about how she came to join the St. George Choral Society. She recalls, “I was in such a weakened state of health that my doctor advised me that I should not do any strenuous exercises. Instead this wise doctor recommended that singing would produce vibrations in my entire body and serve as an internal exercise of sorts and generally build up a healthy state. Singing he added would be beneficial to improving my breath control and that through the process of singing the resonating would travel from my face throughout my entire body.” After listening to this choral member I concluded that vocal exercise is obviously another major key to maintaining good health. I, for one, think that professional singers’ vocal production stimulates the face muscles and gives them a built in face lift.

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

The correct training is paramount for the choral singer to develop natural voice production. It comprises a knowledge of normal functions of the lungs, as moving power; of the larynx with the vocal cords, as producing power; and the mouth, which include the tongue, palate, lips, and the resonance chambers, as resonating power of the voice. As Dr. Marafioti states, “Vocal education, as related to music, is purely a technical study and an acquisition of vocal musical knowledge, should be entrusted to music teachers, coaches, accompanists and conductors.

THE ART OF SINGING

“The joy of singing can be a joy forever,” or so goes the old adage. One of the most rewarding experiences a singer can have is by joining a choral society where masterworks of the choral repertoire are under the baton of a music director like Dr. Matthew Lewis. If you like to sing you could become a member of the St.George’s Choral Society and experience the thrill of singing choral music in an inspiring setting, the historic chapel of St. George’s Church at Stuyvesant Square (16th St). Rehearsals: Wednesday evening from 7 to 9:30 pm. www.stgeorgeschoralsociety.org. Author, Polly Guerin is a member of the St. George’s Choral Society.

JUMPSTART JOY, MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT (c)

2010-04-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

By Polly Guerin

CLOCKING TIME

and

SMELL THE ROSES

Like so many people today some of us are so busy on a fast track of activity that it’s no wonder we are often left feeling disconnected, dissatisfied with results and sometimes even depressed. The cacophony of noise blasting a discordant symphony of city sirens, the invasion of our thoughts by cell phones ringing and text messaging, the lure of the computer and other electronic devices jangles our nerves. These intrusive distractions can make your good mood plummet. Most seriously, zipping through life and its daily demanding tasks you’re missing each day’s minutest treasures that sustain a healthy and happy life. A Cayce reading says, “For the vibrations should be from within, rather than from without!” (1183) It’s time to calm down, relax and take time out to ‘smell the roses,’ to still your thoughts and focus your attention on the present.

TIME TO REPAIR

If your calendar is so crammed with appointments and you have become a victim of the computer driven society now is the time when you should assess what’s happening to you. It may seem that the days just roll one into another and before you know it another week has pushed you frantically into the next week. When you’re racing against the clock, trapped by appointment overload, or you rush to complete a project or lock yourself on the computer for hours on end you’re beginning to lose touch with life’s precious hours. If you are racing against the clock it’s time to go into repair mode.

SAVORING EVERY MOMENT

When Cayce said that vibration should come from within rather than from without, he was talking about the matter of attunement, allowing our innermost being to align to the world. Slowing down and savoring every moment is a mental medicine that may even save your life from a sudden heart attack or from depression, and even premature aging. Despite personal or work demands put your needs first and find five or ten minutes to focus totally on the ‘now’ in your life.
BREATHING SERENITY

One of the easiest ways to get into the ‘now’ grove is through calm breathing exercises. Cayce placed a great emphasis on deep breathing as a daily exercise. He said, “When you take a good deep breath, especially if you exhale it completely, forcing residual air out of the lungs, you bring about a complete change of air.” Still the moment in your activity at home or office and take a deep breath, feel the air flow passing in and out of your nostrils, filling your lungs with oxygen which will help to eliminate carbon dioxide, which is the end product of fatigue. As you perform this simple exercise a calm feeling floods over your body. Do this any time you find yourself caught in a traffic jam, locked in standby mode at the bank or the checkout counter or post office. Look around and breathe in serenity and you’ll find yourself looking at the situation with rose colored glasses instead.

WELCOME NATURE
Cayce also recommended walking briskly to replenish the oxygen in your body. Walking can work as well as any antidepressant and it can benefit weight loss as well. For short trips instead of jumping into the car or taking a bus start walking, not strolling and window shopping. As you do so, discover new sights and sounds. Welcome the trees that renew each spring, select a flower and cherish its creation and smell its aroma, thank the stars that come out each night, take joy in the returning seasons, the wind in your hair, the feather kiss of the snow and before you know it you are in the ‘now’ living life fully and cherishing each moment.

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Becoming fully aware and living in the present your internal sense of happiness takes on a new level of meaning and relationships improve. You no longer rush through the moment, but instead you listen and respond with personal attunement. Each individual in your life receives your total attention in the moment and you make them feel appreciated and important. When dining you taste each morsel you eat with renewed delight and find that you eat slower and enjoy it more. You’re on the path of discovery and find many other little ways to return yourself to the present. Making every day, every minute, every hour count, you jumpstart joyful renewal, living in the moment.

SEARCHING FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP (C)

2010-03-17T14:10:00.001-07:00

By Polly Guerin

Willy Shakespeare had it right when Hamlet said, “To Sleep, Perchance to Dream,” (Act 3, scene I). And “I have not slept a wink,” complained Pisanio in Cymbeline (Act 3, scene 4). When it comes to sleep such phrases surely mimic our own sentiments. Sleep deprivation deprives us of vitality, our concentration takes a downturn and we muddle through the day. “What’s the matter,” someone may ask. “I haven’t slept a wink,” is the typical reply. Women have often been told that getting the right amount of zzzz is their beauty sleep. Indeed it is for anyone who wants to maintain their good looks and avoid bags under their eyes. To many people, a good night’s sleep is an elusive luxury, but don’t reach for the sleeping pills yet. Edgar Cayce had some good advice and in his readings remarked that lack of sleep can contribute to a wide variety of stress related disorders and health problems including high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease and in some cases even death.

STRESS-RELATED SYMPTOMS

Lack of Sleep In Cayce’s readings he was most sensitive to the effect of stress on people, and never dismissed anything as ‘just nerves.’ He gave detailed analysis of the two nervous systems and a great deal of importance to their delicate mechanism. Cayce said, “The strain between the physical and mental, with the spiritual attributes of the individual, finds expression not only in the brain itself, but in that of the sympathetic (nervous) system for the brain manifestation of soul forces in the body. (4566-1) COUNTING SHEEP As we lie sleepless by the hour, reproducing images in our head of unhappiness or we try to work through problems our fretful attempts to get to sleep remain unreachable, the hours wear on and we toss and turn in the bed disarranging bed linens and blankets. In this sleep deprived process we are left frazzled and exhausted. No wonder, daytime fatigue sets in and it impairs one’s work performance. Personality changes can include memory problems and crankiness and depression. Such behavior can even lead to losing your job and on the home front it can create friction in the home and alienate your family.
THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Steps can be taken to avoid a sleepless night. The main objective is to de-clutter your bedroom and make it a sanctuary for sleep, where gentle music may lull you to slumber like a babe. Reading a book that does not tax your mind may induce sleep as well. Exercise equipment that beckons for attention should be removed from the bedroom. After all this is your peaceful oasis, an island of sorts, where dreams may enhance your life. To further abate the sleeping process, do not keep electronic devices by the bedside like a cell phone or any other communication tool that will stimulate and disturb your sleep. Removing the television from the bedroom is another good idea. It will prevent you from watching the late news which can disturb your mind. Another sleep trigger is to avoid watching late night movies (except on weekends when you can sleep late) because they rob you of the 7 to 8 hours of sleep that you normally need each night. A warm bath or shower before going to bed is relaxing and sleeping in a well ventilated room encourages slumber.

MILD EXERCISE, GENTLE YOGA

A light gym session, gentle yoga or exercise at home performed early in the evening before nine o’clock can also promote sleep, but if you’re training for triathlon do that earlier in the day. Meditation or prayer can also calm down your brain and prepare it for sleep. A patient once asked Edgar Cayce, “How can I overcome the nerve strain I’m under at times? Cayce advised, “By closing the eyes and meditating from within. Quiet meditation, for a half to a minute, will bring strength---will the body see physically this flowing out to quiet self, where walking, standing still, or resting. Well, too, that oft alone, mediate in silence—as the body has done. (311-4)

A HEALTHY DIET

The old adage, ‘never eat after 8 pm’ is good advice because meals too close to the hour of sleep are disruptive and may be the cause for weird dreams or nightmares. Always achieve balance in your diet by eating natural organic food, fresh veggies and fruit. Avoid caffeine either through coffee or sodas as it remains in the system for a long time. It’s too stimulating and can give you a false impression of being awake. Natural slumber can also be had by sipping a mild sedative like chamomile tea, which helps to calm anxiety, soothes and relaxes the mind and body. Some people prefer a warm cup of milk to soothe and help them fall asleep. If all else fails, summon up the child within and ask your mate to read you a bedtime story or sing a lullaby just like your mum did when you were a child. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER

Taking a nap is nifty way to catch up on sleep, but how many of us have the luxury of napping from one to three in the afternoon? However, it could be a weekend luxury to put on your agenda, but be sure to set the alarm clock so that you do not miss an important evening date. Even if sleep does not come just lying still and relaxing can be a refreshing tonic. If you have a slant board, a fifteen minute break, resting with your head down and your feet higher up also has restorative powers. Cayce said, “Remember that the body does gradually renew itself constantly.” (1548-3) So heeding his advice let us go gently into the night sleeping peacefully like beautiful dreamers.

THE RAINBOW CHAKRAS AND MEDITATION (c)

2010-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

By Polly Guerin

“The Message is in the Rainbow” is my latest book that deals with the psychological impact of color on body, mind and spirit. In this discourse I provide insights into how to use color to overcome tiredness and malaise and how to balance and revitalize your body’s energy. Different colors have their own specific messages. Red, for example, can be a whirling and dramatic, purple can be inspirational and green can provide expressions of harmony. The body is an amazing life force that energizes through the spin of the Chakras and each Chakra is associated with a different color. Invisible as they are your life energy flows through the seven energy centers in the body, the Chakras, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘spinning wheels.’ In a healthy individual all seven Chakras spin very rapidly and at the same speed. When one or more of the Chakras are blocked the natural spin is reduced, illness can set in and the aging process accelerated.

MEDITATION ON COLOR

Edgar Cayce frequently recommended meditation for its therapeutic as well as spiritual value. In this meditative exercise involving the chakras, using the element of color, you can tune up the energy centers and experience renewal. The technique is quite simple. All you need do is to visualize a specific color related to a Chakra center. But first you must prepare yourself. It is best to remove your shoes and if you wear glasses remove them too. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet on the floor. Rest your hands on your lap. At this point I like to close my eyes. Now breathe very slowly and patiently until you begin to feel quite relaxed. In the following exercises you will be focusing on a specific color as it relates to a specific chakra and breath in the rainbow. Some people find it easy to visualize a color, others do not. To initialize the visualization process you could begin by looking at a colored chiffon scarf, an object of a specific color, like a red vase or even colored gels which can be purchased in an art supply store. Use these aids before you close your eyes so that the color registers in your mind.
THE CROWN CHAKRA

I like to start at the 7th, the Crown Chakra, at the top of the head attributed to white light and a rich violet color. This is a very cerebral area of the body and the center of higher consciousness, compassion and wisdom. As you breathe deeply and slowly bring the color of rich violet into your mind and visualize the energizing forces of this color flooding the Crown Chakra. It is not necessary to put a time limit on your visualization, but one to two minutes is sufficient. However, you can do this visualization for as long as you feel the need for rich violet, then relax.

THE BROW CHAKRA

This energy center is located between your eye brows, and that is why it is commonly known as the ‘third eye Chakra.’ The Brow Chakra, the 6th energy center, is related to indigo, a blue-deep purple color, an indicator of clairvoyance and psychic abilities. Every time you breathe in indigo imagine that the space between your eyes is filling up with the color in your brow center.

THE THROAT CHAKRA

When you need to speak up and communicate feelings or your nerves are on edge because you need to deliver a speech focus on the Throat Chakra, the 5th energy center. Visualize the blue color as a color band completely around your neck and breathe in the calming and peaceful color blue. Visualize and deeply breathe in the color blue and create a serene attitude thereby releasing yourself to self-expression and creativity.

THE HEART CHAKRA

One can never have enough love in their life and the 4th energy center, the Heart Chakra, located in the center of the chest, is related to the color green. It is the higher expression of harmony, trust and lovingness and fosters the opening to new ideas and new people. As you visualize and breathe in this energizing verdant green feel the calm and balancing quality of this color flooding your heart with compassion and love.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

Thoughts and logic rest in the 3rd energy center, The Solar Plexus Chakra, which you can find in the region around your navel, the upper stomach. Visualize slowly and patiently a bright yellow color and breathe in the kind of yellow brilliance you might see on an incredibly sunny day. This is the center and the color that governs your mental energy and logic, and has domain over your will power over digestion.

THE SPLEEN CHAKRA

The 2nd energy center, The Spleen Chakra, also referred to as The Sacral Chakra is located at the area two to three inches below the navel. It takes its energy from a warm orange color which has a lot to do with your emotional needs with boundaries of warmth and intimacy, pleasure and joy, attachments and letting go. As you visualize this warm orange glow in the area of your pubic bone breathe in an orange band surrounding you in the spleen area from the front to the back of your body. Do this as the need occurs to you to revitalize your feelings for one to two minutes, then relax.

THE ROOT CHAKRA

Like an artist visualize the color red for the 1st energy center, The Root Chakra, located at the groin area, the very center of your sexuality, reproduction and the need for grounding and security. Paint your visualization with a vibrant red color and feel the warm of this bright color rejuvenating this center with health, energy, passion and love.

RAINBOW RESULTS

Attuning your body through color mediation to improve health, activity, peace of mind, love and compassion takes but a few minutes each day. If you have time you can repeat the process but this time visualize the colors again starting up from the Root Chakra up to the Crown Chakra. When completed you may feel slightly light-headed but imbued with the knowledge that rainbow results have enriched your life.

PAIN IN THE LEG SYNDROME OUCH!!!

2010-02-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

PAIN IN THE LEG SYNDROME OUCH!!! (c)

By Polly Guerin

I’ve heard people explode that something was a “pain in the neck,” but what about that awful “pain in the leg” syndrome?” Although the sensation of pain or cramps in the leg seems to occur at night causing sleep deprived sufferers, this discomfort can also happen during the day. The condition may be noted by women wearing stiletto heels that can result in the shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is short and tight because of heels, the foot loses its ability to flex up and down, so switching from killer heels to flat shoes can cause heel and calf pain. Sports enthusiasts engaged in hard running performance often put severe pressure on their feet and that is why you may see any one of them stopping from time to time to stretch their legs. Teenagers engaged in challenging school sport activities may also suffer from leg cramps. Clearing no one is exempt from this condition. Older people seem to be especially vunerable to leg cramp or pain. In the British TV sitcom, “As Time Goes By,” Lionel, the male lead, in a senior moment kneels down on a pillow to propose to Jean, but when he tries to get up a leg cramp seemingly ruins the romantic moment.

PAIN IN FEET, CALF AND LIMBS

Leg cramps can result in some startling situations. I was in a movie theater with an older Uncle one time and when the leg cramps came on unexpectedly he uttered such a strike of pain and stiffened up that the movie attendant was ready to call for an ambulance. The leg spasm and leg pain did not last too long, and although he had had attacks previously he had done nothing to curtail their re-occurrence. It’s unwise to let leg pain go untreated as it could exacerbate into other health problems. While there are some respectable leg cramp commercial products which anyone can purchase at retail, but America’s prophetic psychic, Edgar Cayce had some very easy-to-adapt recommendations that are worth applying. Cayce recommended, “If the feet and limbs give a great deal of trouble, we would apply Mullein Stupes over those areas of the ankle, foot and calf. Put these (Mullein Leaves) on hot and then bind about with padding or wadding to keep the heat. Apply these stupes at least twice each day. Preferably use the green or fresh mullein. This would be bruised, put in very hot water and allowed to stand a few minutes, the dipped out and applied between gauze over the affected area. (2227-3)

CASTOR OIL’S MIRACULOUS CURE

There’s a lot to be said about the simply application of Castor Oil rubbed on painful areas of the leg. One young man who consistently suffered from pain in ankles and leg took Cayce’s advice and simply rubbed Castor Oil on these areas for several days and the pain went away. I can also attest to the curative powers of Castor Oil as I use it frequently to relieve the pain, which crops up occasionally in the calf of my left leg. When there is severe pain, however, one may also consider that it may be emanating perhaps from the spine. In any case, though self-medicating is good, you should always consult a physician to determine the cause of the pain and the proper medical treatment.

CASTOR OIL PACKS

Cayce also suggested Castor Oil packs to treat leg pain and for that matter other areas of pain in the body. It takes time and patience to do-it-yourself, and it does not have to be messy. For the at-home remedy the materials needed include: Castor Oil, a soft wool flannel cloth, (a size large enough to cover the leg area or body part), a plastic sheet or blue pads, plastic packaging tape, an electric heating pad, a bath towel and two safety pins. FOLLOW THESE STEPS: First spread the plastic sheet on the bed to protect it. Being a practical person I discovered that two or three blue plastic training piddle pads that they sell in pet stores for dog us are equally protective. Just put about three of the pads with the blue plastic side down on the bed lengthwise with the white soft side up so that you can rest on it during the treatment. In advance to lying down on the bed you need to have saturated the soft wool flannel cloth with Castor Oil, but not drippy. Before proceeding place an extra blue pad under the leg to be treated. Lie down and apply the Castor Oil saturated flannel around the leg and then take up the ends of the blue pad and wrap it snugly around the leg. I like to tape the ends together with wide self-sealing packing tape. On top of that place a heating pad and turn it up to “low” to begin with then to “medium” or high if you can tolerate it. Now place the towel around the entire area even over the heating pad and fasten the towel in place with the safety pins.

REST AND RELAX

Let the Castor Oil and heating pad do its curative work for about an hour and a half and then turn it off. When the treatment is concluded remove the heating pad (do not leave it on overnight), but the Castor Oil pack itself can be left on your leg. However, if you prefer to remove the pack simply cleanse the area with a solution of soda water. (2 teaspoons of baking soda to a quart of water) Don’t discard the flannel pack, even if it still has Castor Oil on it. Merely store it away in a plastic container for future use, even on other parts of the body when needed. I have used this Castor Oil pack on numerous occasions on my legs and other parts of my body with pain relief and return to normalcy results.

VARICOSE VEINS

We stand on our feet for long hours during the day and some people’s work exacerbates the painful condition that is called varicose veins, which aggravate and tire the entire body. Edgar Cayce said, “Thus the great distress is caused when the body is on the feet for any great length of time; causing not only the disorders through the lower limbs and thighs but in the feel also. As we find in the present, those pressures that exist in the lumbar and sacral axis, a s well as the lower portion or coccyx end of the spine are the areas that need the more adjustment to alleviate those tendencies for the circulation that carries blood away from the heart, and yet is so slow in the return of same; thus causing the enlarging of the veins in the lower limbs. He further states, “We would also take Mullein Tea. This should be made of the fresh, green leaves and let steep for about twenty to thirty minutes. Then strain and keep in the ice box, so that it may be kept fresh. Take about an ounce to an ounce and a half of this each day. Keep this up, and it will aid in the circulation, in the elimination of the character of acid in the system, and aid in the circulation through the veins, that are disturbing.” Harking back to the previous paragraph where in I mention Mullein Stupes Cayce continued, “When there is the ability to rest, apply the Mullein Stupes to the areas in the knee and along the thigh, and just below the knee where the veins are more severe. Yet he advises, “Yet the Tea taken internally will be more effective.” To all these treatments Cayce recommended, “Do have the corrections osteopathically made in the lumbar-sacral axis, AND the coccyx area; and coordinate the rest of the body, for the tiredness and for relaxing of the nerves, when these are done. (243-38)

LIFE VIBRATES WITH HEALTH

Cayce said, “Remember, life is vibration. Illness and disability are a manifestation of a disturbance in the normal vibrations of the body. So one way or another, Castor Oil may be an agent for restoring the body’s natural vibratory pattern. How Castor Oil does these seemingly miraculous cures is a mystery, but one thing is certain Edgar Cayce teaches us to awaken our sleeping beauty and to recognize the source of healing is within to engage our own power to vibrate with glowing health.

NONSURGICAL FACELIFT, NO KIDDING!!!

2010-02-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

NONSURGICAL FACELIFT, NO KIDDING!!! ©

By Polly Guerin

Some say that a woman’s face is but a reflection of her inner beauty and perhaps the celebrated British poet, Robert Browning’s poem, ‘A Pretty Woman,’ concedes to this theory. One verse reads, “So, we leave the sweet face fondly there: Be its beauty, Its sole duty! Let all hope of grace beyond, lie there!” Ah, but how to maintain a beautiful, youthful face, that is the question. It is not only women in the performing arts, socialites, movie stars and celebrities who are drawn to products that insure an attractive youthful face it is every woman’s prerogative. This quest for maintaining one’s beauty has fueled a cosmetic industry rich in commercial elixirs, potions, creams and tonics all promising to keep the face youthful and wrinkle free.

THE MIRROR IMAGE

“Mirror Mirror on the Wall Whose the Fairest of them All?” said the witch in the Wizard of Oz. In the same manner don’t we all look in the mirror and start to fidget pulling facial skin tighter towards our ears or pulling at the corner of our eyes and notice how those crow’s feet seemingly disappear. “Well, don’t we say to the mirror image, “That’s how I used to look!” So how did these aging signs happen? Excessive massaging of the face can break down collagen, heavy drinking can impair blood circulation, too much sun does its damage, heavy smoking encourages wrinkles, and yo yo diets with weight gain and weight loss extremes take their toll as well. When Edgar Cayce, the great American psychic was asked, “How can people avoid aging in appearance?” He replied “The mind! I couldn’t agree more. I had an aunt who was handsome but not really pretty. However, she was impeccably groomed and before she left her house she looked into a blue tinted mirror and the world perceived her as beautiful by her radiant smile and sparkling eyes.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

In a healthy person a large amount of fat is packed under the facial skin and as we age, this fat tends to diminish and the skin becomes less elastic and begins to show the telltale signs of sagging. In response to an inquiry, “How can sagging facial muscles be avoided?” Cayce advised: “About twice a month, we would have mud packs; face and neck, and across the shoulders and upper portion about the neck; especially extending over the area of the thyroids---as an astringent and as a stimulation for a better circulation throughout the system. (1968-4) Obviously treatment for the face starts at the upper portion of the body. However, once the skin has matured and deep lines pave their way into your skin and brown patches appear routine care will not restore a youthful complexion but maintenance will---cleansing, cell renewal, moisturizing and sun protection are the four keys to curtaining further deterioration. Yes, there are injections that erase lines and wrinkles, creams that stimulate the growth of collagen and surgery to tighten loose skin, even face-lifts to make a visible improvement on your appearance, but these can only be performed by a physician. There may be justified reasons to resort to plastic surgery to correct nature’s errors and in the worst scenario to correct serious deformities from accidents or war-related injuries.

EDGAR CAYCE’S ADVICE

The great prophet Edgar Cayce advised that, “Cosmetic surgery, the face lift, can be postponed or avoided entirely with a program of good nutrition, general exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, and special facial exercise. However, when the muscles in the face become flabby, the face droops, sags, and ages.” He further is a great exponent of positive thinking. “Negative thoughts and poor circulation accelerate the appearance of lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and muddy color, while poor elimination will not only produce blackheads, pimples, and dry or oily skin, but is one of the chief causes of major skin disease. Cayce advocated exercises for the face with the logic that if we can go to the gym to tone up our bodies, why not exercises for the face?

HEAD-AND-NECK EXERCISES

Remember those head-and-neck exercises I described in an earlier discourse on maintaining a gorgeous complexion. Well, back to the drawing board or should I say back to basics. These head rolls are an excellent way to start the day and perfect as a break exercise when working at the computer. Quite simple roll the head very slowly over to right shoulder, then to the back then to the left shoulder and return to center (repeat in the opposite direction, and do each roll at least 10 times). When performed each day, according to Cayce, his head-and-neck exercise will stimulate the circulation to the entire face, head and neck: keep the throat and jaw line firm; and prevent the formation of double or multiple chins. No cost, just your time, you don’t even have to go to a gym. When I do the head-and-neck exercise it sounds sand grating or crackling sounds that tell me the body is doing its job at maintaining my looks and sending oxygen to my brain.

SINGER’S TIPS

Having been a singer for a long time with a chorale group I am thoroughly convinced that singers’ good looks well into their 80s comes from the vibrations within their head when they are singing. I was delighted to find that Edgar Cayce seems to support this theory as he recommends, “Do as singers do and practice the vowels going up and down the scale singing as loudly as you can (benefits the mouth and cheeks)” as follows: Oh—Oh—Oh—Oh—Oh, Ah—Ah—Ah—Ah—Ah, Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—and Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—and repeat these vowels several times. Even a non singer can perform these exercises singing, of course, for her own amazement.

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY

Alas we all want to put our best face forward to a critical world that seems to worship the cult of youth. However, there’s nothing wrong with growing old gracefully, but by applying some of these really simple and basic, common sense exercises the face can appear more toned up, brighter and less wrinkled. So how can you avoid aging in appearance? Well Cayce reminded us, “The Mind!” For how we think about the beautiful face we present each day, so it is in the eyes of the beholder.

WHAT'S SO COMMON ABOUT THE COMMON COLD?

2010-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Awaken Your Sleeping Beauty: Edgar Cayce as told by Polly Guerin

WHAT’S SO COMMON ABOUT THE COMMON COLD?

Susceptibility to colds is almost universal, widespread and contagious, especially in places where groups of people congregate; in schools, on public transportation, movie houses, theaters and social events. Colds are as common as common can get because they do not discriminate and can infect everyone in their path. They are definitely communicable and transmitted in numerous ways. In confined places the germs could be floating in the air or they could be spread by direct or indirect contact. No wonder, people have condoned the mantra “wash your hands frequently” or they sanitize their hands with anti-bacterial liquid preparations or anti-bacterial moist hand wipes. No one wants to get bogged down with a full-fledged or even a minor cold in the first place and seeks answers as to how to steer clear of the invasive germs. In readings the great physic Edgar Cayce advised, “The best way to cope with the common cold is to avoid catching it in the first place.” Don’t you wish it could be that easy, but Cayce had further thoughts on the subject.

PREVENTING THE COMMON COLD

Measures can be taken to ward off the infection even before it begins. Obviously a well-balanced diet is essential, sufficient rest a must and proper attire both indoors and out all help to keep the body’s resistance high. Proper ventilation in home or office with sufficient humidity in the air helps to keep the mucous membranes in a healthy condition. If a humidifier is not handy, adequate moisture can be maintained by keeping a pan of water on a radiator. Obviously, one should avoid contact with anyone who has a cold. The minute a child or person’s starts sneezing it is best to remove yourself from their vicinity. Obviously that is not so easy within a family and it is therefore it so often happens that the common cold is spread to parents and children alike.

AN EDGAR CAYCE’S READING

Cayce took the diagnosis further saying, “A body is more susceptible to cold with an excess of acidity or alkalinity, but more susceptible in case of excess acidity. For an alkalizing effect is destructive to the cold germ.” (902-1) In addition to the pressures put upon us by our computer driven society fatigue, worry, stress and strain, other emotional upsets and inadequate nutrition contribute to the acid condition that invites attack from cold germs and other infections. Cayce said, “There is no mystery or magic about getting rid of a cold once it has been contracted. All therapy aims at alkalizing the body in one way or another and relieving the symptoms of discomfort brought on by the infection.”

THERAPY RECOMMENDATIONS

When the first indication of a cold blooming comes on pushing yourself to go to work or to go out of your home will only exacerbate the cold condition further. The best way to fight a cold is to immediately go to bed and rest, because during rest and sleep, balance is restored to the autonomic nervous system. Cayce had this to say, “Stop eating for two days and drink as much liquid as possible, up to one gallon a day. This should be largely citrus fruits that are freshly squeezed with the addition of lemon or orange or grapefruit juice.” Folk medicine remedies also suggest including drinking great quantities ginger tea or fenugreek tea, which can be purchased in a health food store. Another good alkalizer, recommended by Cayce, is one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, slipped slowly every hour. He also added that it is also important to clear out the system with an enema or colonic. Percussion massage is also very useful in breaking up a cold and can be performed by a massage therapist of a member of one’s family. An aspirin tablet or salt dissolved in hot water is beneficial for gargling to soothe a sore throat. Obviously, anyone who has a consistent history of recurring colds with accompanying complications should consult a physician.

A FOLKSY COUGH REMEDY

In the good old days before the wide selection of commercial remedies were available, most people had to rely on a good old fashioned home remedy to rid themselves of a cold. Patience and preparation is all you need to take the holistic route to cure the common cold. Edgar Cayce was a great exponent of the natural school of healing and recommended the following Cough Mixture 1, “For any flu or cold, this would be well as an expectorant as an eliminant, and to cause the clearing of hoarseness—made in this way and manner: Take an egg that has not been in the refrigerator or cold storage. Then to this white of egg, add: Juice of one lemon, dropped very slowly into same. About a teaspoon of honey, dropped slowly into same also. About three drops—one at time—of Glycerine. Beat thoroughly together. Of course, it would be worked in together when the Glycerine is added. Take a teaspoonful every two or three hours. We will find that this will clear a cold, relieve stress through the throat and nasal passages, bronchi and larynx, and most helpful for this body.” (845-3) Well, there you are a remedy right in your kitchen. Obviously home remedies should be considered immediately with the onset of a cold, don’t wait until it blows up into a full-fledged infection.

PAMPER YOURSELF AND REST

You have an excuse to relinquish yourself to a day or two off the daily routine and the best time to pamper yourself is when you have a cold. Get under the covers, you’ll get drowsy in time and sleep will overtake you and contribute to curing the cold. When sleep does not come readily, then indulge yourself and listen to some soothing music, light an aromatic candle and daydream. Keep the humidifier going and take your homemade medicine like a good patient. It’s time to stop and just taste the sweetness of life and the restorative powers of positive thinking knowing that soon you will be well!

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

2010-01-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

By Polly Guerin

When it comes to gaiety and laughter, I often think of the hilarious aria, “Glitter and Be Gay” from the 1950s operetta “Candide” based on Voltaire’s brilliant satire of human folly written in 1759. With music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Richard Wilbur much of Candide’s verve springs from its joyous parodies. The aria takes its inspiration from Charles François Gounod’s “Jewel Song” from opera Faust which he composed in 1858. In Candide the singer takes great delight in the treasures in her jewelry chest laughing all through the aria as she brings forth her sparkling gems. There’s a lot of Ha Has in this aria especially at the end when the Ha Has builds up to an amazing crescendo and the singer breaks into soaring high notes of laughter. Although the average person, could not easy to duplicate the singer’s virtuosity, but just listening to the aria in itself is quite amusing and makes one want to get into the high jinks of this humorous display of frivolity. Why would this be good for you? Well, medical studies show that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and suppresses levels, of epinephrine, the stress hormone. Just as humor is an important ingredient for good health so is a positive attitude of optimism, and when these elements are combined it benefits the mind, body and spiritual outlook on life.

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS

It was such a joy to hear young girl’s giggling on a bus recently. Their happy voices really made the day so cheerful. Watching funny movies can also help to dispel the darkness of our concerns. Yet in today’s economic climate a sense of humor seems to be hard to come by. Instead of dour attitude take up another song’s advice, “Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” In other words, stop worrying so much and instead become a glad tider greeting each day with optimism and joy. No, I am not suggesting you become a Pollyanna, and see everything with rose tinted glasses like the heroine in the novel by the same name (1913) by Eleanor Porter. Pollyanna was a personality characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything, indeed a most unrealistic approach. However, your happy attitude can be infectious and influence family, friends and everyone around you to “Lighten Up,” and look on the brighter and positive side of life’s dilemmas and emergencies, which eventually confront us as they invariably do.

EDGAR CAYCE ON HUMOR

It’s hard to belief that America’s celebrated prophet, Edgar Cayce, had quite a lot to say about humor and in some of his readings he advised, “Cultivate the ability to see the ridiculous and retain the ability to laugh. For know only in those God hath favored is there the ability to laugh, even when clouds of doubt arise, or when every form of disturbance arises. For remember the master smiled, and laughed oft, even on the way to Gethsemane.” (277-1) Cayce did not have an exactly easy time of it during his early years when he was establishing himself as a psychic. There were many hardships to bear in regard to income and his family’s living accommodations, which were from the start not always the best. Yes, despite the modest circumstances of those early years Cayce pressed on with his psychic work and had time to advise people on humor. He said, “Remember that a good laugh, an arousing even to what might be called hilariousness, is good for the body physically, mentally, and gives the opportunity for greater mental and spiritual awakening.”

LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT

Obviously, Cayce agreed with Laugh Practitioners that laughter is good medicine. These modern day laugh practitioners have made a business out of laughter. They hold sessions to engage groups of people to laugh their hearts out. The group starts out with a simple Ha Ha and keeps building up with heartier Ha Has till everyone is kneeled over laughing. Stress rolls away, the body feels lighter, the smiles on the faces of the participants reveal their joyful surrender that releases cares and tension by learning how to laugh heartily. This is an excellent therapy and I understand that the sessions are not usually expensive. Most importantly humor also relieves emotional distress and assists in changing negative thinking. No wonder some enlightened holistic and senior centers have incorporated laugh sessions into their extra-curricular activities. Case in point, when Norman Cousins, an author, editor, professor and promoter of holistic healing was suffering from a life-threatening issue disease he turned to laughter medicine. He knew he didn’t have a good chance of getting better in a hospital, so he checked himself out of the hospital and into a hotel room, where he watched Marx Brothers movies all day. He attests to that fact that laughing at the silly antics in the movies helped him recover from the disease. He contends that laughter is an antidote to apprehension and panic. Author Toni Carroll Terman, laugh lecturer and author of the book, “Laugh Your Fat Off,” written in collaboration with her husband Dr. Philip Terman, is an outstanding proponent of laugh therapy. She cites many ways to laugh those pounds of your body and to boost mind, body and spiritual renewal. You can purchase her book on Amazon.

NEVER LAUGH AT ANOTHER’S EXPENSE

I adore comedians who can magically take us to another place where we can laugh at their well intentioned jokes. It’s such a relief to let go and laugh our worries away. However, when a comedian or anyone for that matter makes a joke out of someone’s misfortune or by the joke’s content reflects upon an individual’s shortcomings or simply makes fun of them--this treatment is not in good taste or acceptable. Edgar Cayce recommended, “One should cultivate more the humorous side of life. Not that which is at the expense of another; that is, never laugh at anyone but laugh with others often.” (2327-1) Okay there are times that we need to grieve but life must go on. I remember a mother who fell into such a deep depression over her soldier son’s death that she totally began to ignore her other children. A good neighbor urged her to pull herself together, and repeated the phrase “Your children need you,” over and over again. When this mother heard the laugher of her other children she was roused from her grief and could focus on their need. To help pull her out of this depression, unbeknownst to the mother, the neighbor took her to a comedy club to listen a comedian, who was a friend and had been alerted about the mother’s sorrow. He adjusted his routine to accommodate her need and the evening’s entertainment lightened her heavy heart. Late night new broadcasts with the gloomy news were eliminated and instead the woman listened to classical music before falling asleep.

DO NOT LOSE SENSE OF HUMOR

Edgar Cayce steps up to the plate with yet another bit of advice. He cautions, “At times the entity sees so well the humor in so many situations as to appear to see the ridiculous rather than that which is the creative force in humor. Do not lose this sense of humor. It will oft be a means for saving an unseemly situation.” (2421-2) Cayce further said, “If you lose the ability to laugh, ye lose that ability to be joyous.” (3003-1) What better way to approach each day than with the intention to lighten up and open to the joy of living with full of optimism. Like a child with a sense of wonder shall we not laugh with abandon? ‘Tis such an infectious thing to do and an easy mantra to incorporate into your daily routine. As Cayce said, “Be optimistic! At least make three people each day laugh heartily by something you say.”

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, BRIGHT EYES

2010-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, BRIGHT EYES (C)
By Polly Guerin

Nothing makes our appearance more youthful looking than bright, clear, sparkling eyes, the picture of health and happiness. Edgar Cayce alludes to eyes as being the “windows of the soul,” for this is a truth that plays out every day in eye contact with another individual. We can read a lot into the personality of a person just by looking into their eyes. A lackluster eye is a telltale sign of sadness within or poor health, while brighter eyes like the song “sparkle and be gay” indicate an outgoing happy, healthy person. Mother Nature has done her part to protect our eyes by providing eyelashes and eyebrows designed to catch miniscule objects and particles of dirt from falling into our eyes. Of course, many of us lament the fact that our eyelashes are not as long as we would wish, but don’t count on commercial products alone that promise longer lashes or expensive products that address problems of puffiness, crow’s feet or dark circles. Cayce had a number of natural recommendations to bring out the full beauty of your eyes.

EYE FOOD FOR EYE HEALTH

Cayce’s take on good nutrition to maintain healthy eyes is a simple formula that anyone can follow with a well-balanced diet. He especially recommended, “Take plenty of carrots, yams, green peas and green beans, onions, beets.” These were recommended to be taken each day. They “have a direct bearing upon the application of that assimilated for the optic forces. (3552-1) To this he advised that you add to the diet about twice as many oranges, lemons and limes as is part of the diet in the present. These also supplement with a great deal of carrots especially as combined with gelatin, if we would aid and strengthen the optic nerves and the tensions between sympathetic and cerebrospinal systems. (5401-1). It is interesting to note that in Japan, the appearance of a dish is as important as the taste. They believe in the tradition of “go sheik,” meaning five colors. Each meal therefore might include red (carrots), green (peas or beans), white (onion), orange (yams) and dark maroon (beets) to make the presentation more appealing and nutritious.

HOW TO IMPROVE VISION?

With so many of us logged into our computers all day the condition of our eyes can be a concern because as we age so does the condition of the eyes. Maintaining perfect vision is a key factor in a healthy lifestyle. Just as many of us jog each day to maintain our body strength so must the eyes be exercised each day and Edgar Cayce had a very easy-to-do, simple exercise which you can do sitting at your computer and even performed elsewhere at other times during the day. To the question, “how can I improve my vision?” Cayce said, “When we remove the pressures of the toxic forces we will improve the vision. Also the head and neck exercise will be most helpful. Take this regularly, not taking it sometimes and leaving off sometimes, but each morning and each evening take this exercise regularly for six months and we will see a great deal of difference. Sitting erect, bend the head forward three times, to the back three times, to the right side three times, to the left side three times, and then circle the head each way three times.” He further advises, “Don’t hurry through with it, but take the time to do it. We will get results.” (3549-1) To this exercise I also like to perform an eyeball exercise, which can be done anywhere like when you’re on a bus or waiting for a lecture to begin. Just roll your eye inside your closed or open eyelids, whichever you prefer. Simply roll your eyes, very slowly, to the right and circle them until you come back to the front. Do this several times then repeat in the other direction.

DO WE REALY NEED READING GLASSES?

Our eyes are particularly sensitive to aging so we want to preserve our eyesight and avoid the need to wear reading glasses. Of course, it is always wise to consult your eye doctor, but you could try Cayce’s simple remedy. To the question, “How may my eyes be strengthened so as to eliminate the necessity of reading glasses? He replied, “By the head and neck exercise in the open, as ye walk for twenty to thirty minutes each morning.” He cautions, “Now do not undertake it one morning and then say, ‘It rained and I couldn’t get out,’ or ‘I’ve got to go somewhere else,’ and think there aren’t those despot conditions that rebel at not have their morning walk!” (2533-6)

RELIEVING PUFFINESS & EYESTRAIN

There’s nothing attractive about puffiness about the eyes or bloodshot eyes from eyestrain, which clouds your natural beauty. Yes, there are many commercial products that address these concerns but instead of using costly treatments that temporarily reduce the conditions you can achieve the same results the natural way. Reducing puffiness and eyestrain can be achieved by lying back on the bed and placing an ice pack or cool tea bags over each eyelid and remaining thus for at least fifteen to thirty minutes. These homemade alternatives are cost effective in your beauty budget and act like the over-the-counter products. The cooling sensation encourages the blood vessels to shrink and in turn reduces puffiness. A word of caution. Be careful, do not extend facial moisturizes to the under the eye area, because some moisturizers can actually make the eyes even puffier and more swollen. One friend of mine developed a rash of tiny pinheads on the skin around the entire eye area and was told by the doctor to leave off putting any kind of moisturizer near the eye area and to bath the outer it with warm water. In just a few weeks the condition corrected itself. On the relief of eye strain Cayce recommended, “Bathe these with a weak Glyco-Thymoline solution. Use an eye cup, and two parts of distilled water (preferably) to one part of the Glyco-Thymoline. This irritation is a part of the kidney disturbance that has come from upsetting the digestive forces. (3050-2)

PROTECTING THE EYES

It goes without harping on the subject but no part of the body is more vulnerable to sun damage than the eyes. Why? Because the collagen and elastin under the eyes are most vulnerable and affected by the sun’s damaging rays. A strong sunscreen that is designed for eye use will probably offer more protection than a commercial moisturizer. Always read the contents of a product you purchase to ascertain its level of protection. And, of course, the golden rule is to wear sun glasses to protect your eyes, and if you usually wear long distance glasses have the lenses changed to accommodate your prescription. Alas, there is a lot of talk about crow’s feet and wrinkles, but they are not so much a sign of skin aging but of usage. Every time we open and shut our eyes, widen them in surprise or squint or close them tightly they’ve done a lifetime of work and the area is stretched and pulled. While these telltale signs of wear and tear cannot be entirely erased their appearance certainly can be softened by doing the head and neck exercises. In addition, the application of cosmetic concealing products will also diminish their appearance.
The desire for beautiful eyes is everyone’s prerogative. However, a word of caution. Commercial treatments in the eye area must be done very carefully. Always read the instructions before making an application and when in doubt consult your eye doctor. Don’t expect miracles. Not much can be done to really check the advance of wrinkles; it’s just part of life. Most importantly, remember never to do anything that would in any way harm your vision.

THE MYTH OF PEARLY WHITE TEETH

2010-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

by Polly Guerin

It is rather distracting to look at a person and see that they evidently have become victim to the myth that pearly chalk-like teeth are the key to a youthful appearance. Such obvious whiteness is not natural. Instead teeth should blend with your skin tone. I remember an anchor woman on one of the popular television channels whose teeth were so startling white that it was difficult to look at her or concentrate on what she was saying. Not too long after several viewings she was taken off the air. Perhaps it was the shock effect of her unnaturally white teeth that caused the distraction. Who knows? But if whiter teeth are your goal always seek the advice of a reputable dentist.
GOOD ORAL HYGIENE
We’ve all been advised by our dentist to brush and floss our teeth in the morning and before retiring. However, instead of concentrating on the surface of the teeth in order to control the growth of plaque which causes gum disease, choose a soft toothbrush that will brush both the teeth and the gums at the same time. The wide selection of plaque-fighting and anti-cavity toothpastes and mouthwash products will further aide your health regime. Dentists’ recommend that you have your teeth cleaned and examined at least every six months and at that time the best treatment to fight plague buildup will be discussed. Severe cases can result in periodontal disease, but treatments are readily available to save your teeth. When Edgar Cayce, the father of modern holistic medicine, who produced a tremendous legacy of health information all based on natural ingredients was asked, “What is the best procedure for care of teeth?” His answer was quite simple, “Have local attention and then take care of the teeth. Use an equal combination of sale and soda for massaging the gums and teeth. Don’t use a brush (for massaging). Use your finger. (3484-1).
PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY
It can be a lifelong struggle to keep your teeth healthy, but without your teeth what is the solution? Dentures? Cayce had some original ideas about teeth. A concerned person inquired, “What can I do to keep my teeth for life? Quite emphatically Cayce replied, “You won’t! For already these have begun to need local attention. If there is kept a proper balance in the vitamins, it will help---but these precautions should begin---well, during the period of gestation is when they should begin, but for a body should begin in the first or second year.” (3436-1) Alas it is obvious that maintaining good health must begin in early childhood abetted by good nutrition with the increased ingestion of calcium-rich foods, particularly vegetables and seeds. Further explaining Cayce was presented with another question. “How to prevent tooth decay. (which I have had an awful lot of the past three years)?” Cayce recommended, “Have them attended to, and add to the system occasionally Atomidine as a manner of gaining better control of the activity of the glands which formulate the circulation through teeth and structural portion of the body. One drop 5 days at a time, and then skip 2 weeks. Then again do this for a whole year, you’ll have your teeth in very good fix if local attention is given to the rests. (5313-4) (Atomidine is available at the Edgar Cayce New York Center http://www.arenyc.org.) TOOTHACHES BE GONE
Woe to anyone who has a toothache. Though there are commercial products to address this painful issue the following remedy is of interest. Drawn from the work of Edgar Cayce the information that he was provided in one of his trances included a formula and the name for a preparation called Ipsab, which was recommended by Cayce for toothaches, gum problems, bleeding gums and canker sores. If you are adventurous and a purest you could try making Ipsab yourself. The principal ingredient is Prickly Ash Bark, which the Indians called “toothache bark” and to which Cayce referred in the same manner. In one reading he gave this formula: To 6 ounces of distilled water, add two ounces of Prickly Ash Bark. Reduce by simmering (not boiling) to 2 ounces. Strain and add powdered common salt until we have a very thin past. Rinse or rub gums with this once every 2 days until this trouble in the mouth and gums has subsided. (4436-2) For those of us who cannot readily find Prickly Ash Bark, the product Ipsab is available through health store retail outlets and, of course, at the Edgar Cayce New York Center.
A BEAUTIFUL SMILE
I recently met a young woman who seemed to glow. Her subtle smile illuminated her face and I wondered how she managed to keep up such a pleasant appearance. As Cayce said, “It’s the mind.” Yes, indeed a beautiful smile comes from deep within our thoughts but an unattractive set of teeth or gums can dull the impression of a beautiful smile. So a few words to the wise, always consult with your dentist, but know that there are dental treatments to maintain healthy teeth and keep you smiling throughout your life.

PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

2009-12-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

by Polly Guerin
Nowadays in books and plays and on the fashionable streets of major cities the thin, gravity-defying Stiletto Heel seems to have ensnared more fashion victims than any other footwear style. Yes, they are sexy but difficult to walk in, and most importantly they are threat to maintaining healthy feet. Podiatrists and medical foot specialists are receiving more and more patients with foot problems caused by either the constant wearing of those stilettos or wearing very pointed shoes that squeeze toes into unnatural shapes. High-heeled pumps on the other hand, those closed-toed classics with a sensible ½-inch to 2 ½-inch heels are a better alternative for day wear. When was the last time you had your foot measurements taken? That used to be a common occurrence in footwear stores, but you should check as soon as possible to be sure that you have the right fit. My best advice is to refrain from purchasing shoes just for their fashionable look, but for walking comfort be sure to wear your correct shoe size. The best results when shopping for new footwear is to try on the shoes at the end of the day, after a day of walking, when your feet have reached their normal width and length. Edgar Cayce had a few remarks about some of those nasty foot problems that come from the wear and tear on your feet.

UGLY CALLOUSES AND CORNS BE GONE

Maintaining the good condition of your feet are so essential to supporting your body and a lifetime of walking comfort. Your feet are such a precious part of our anatomy yet we hardly think about their essential role in serving our daily needs. When discomfort occurs and you notice an ugly callous one may rush out to purchase some commercial relief or in more severe cases wind up at the podiatrist’s office. When Cayce was asked, “What caused growth on foot, and what should be used if it repeats itself? In a trance when he gave this reading he responded, “This was from irritation; and that best for the reduction of same, as we find, would be a massage with baking soda, which has been dampened with spirits of camphor. This will be good for anyone having callous places or any attendant growths on feet; for it will remove them entirely!” (276-4) Granted, you may think it easier to just rush out and buy a commercial product, but with a little perseverance you can correct the problem the natural way. Cayce further added, “Bathe the limb from the knee down with warm olive oil. Then apply the saturated solution of spirits of camphor, with bicarbonate of soda. Evenly spread it on, as a very thin layer, see? bandaging this with a thin cloth about the limb and foot, see? Let this remain over the evening, or night see? (3776-13).

UNSIGHTLY AND PAINFUL BUNIONS

I’ve known several women of a certain age who pushed their feet into very pointed too tight shoes to be fashionably au currant. This resulted in unsightly bunions, an inflammation of the big toe, usually resulting in an enlargement of the joint. Not only was this painful but their agony was reflected in their facial expression. So what did the great prophet Cayce say about bunions? One inquirer asked, “What can I do to cure callous or bunion on my left foot? His answer as always was quite simple but it took consistent application to cure the problem. He said, “As we would fine, an application morning and evening (will do it)—not bound on, but massaged thoroughly; and this means not just dabbing on and leaving same, but take three to five minutes of massaging. First, for five to ten days, use common baking soda wet or saturated with spirits of camphor. Then after this has been used until the soreness is removed, use equal parts of Olive Oil and Tincture of Myrrh, and it’ll be like baby’s foot. Massage each of those into the portion where there is a disturbance. (574-1).

PAINFUL FEET

It’s no wonder we often have painful feet. After all these feet of ours were meant for walking and are bound to suffer some kind of discomfort throughout our lives. Cayce had some brilliant thoughts about this problem. “If the feet and limbs give a great deal of trouble, we would apply Mullein Stupes over those areas of the ankle and foot. Put these on hot then bind about with padding or wadding to keep the heat. Apply these stupes at least twice each day. Preferable use green or fresh mullein. This would be bruised, put in very hot water and allowed to stand a few minutes, then dipped out and applied between gauze over the affected area. (2227-3).

ERASING ROUGH FEET

The condition of unsightly rough feet or dry feet most often seems to occur in the winter when the cold weather drags us down, but it can happen anytime proper care isn’t granted to the foot. Cayce points out those rough feet can be caused by poor circulation, so one needs to consider proper diet in all conditions that occur in the body. Asked by a seeker, “What causes excessive dryness or peeling of skin on the bottom of feet? Cayce answered thusly, “Poor circulation. Hence the needs for massage of oil rubs, which should include the limbs, of course, and especially the feet. With adjustments in the muscular forces and bursa of the feet (Peanut oil and Olive oil: equal parts. (1770-5) A good massage he suggested included 1/2 pint of Russian White Oil, 2 ounces Witch Hazel, 4 ounces rubbing alcohol, Oil of Sassafras 3 minims and Tincture of Capsici 2 minims. He highly recommended this formula for fallen arches saying, “Massage only the amount the skin will absorb. Shake the solution together, for the tendency will be for the Oil of Sassafras to rise to the top—see? Pour a small quantity in a saucer, and only massage into the feet and to the limbs to the knees, including the knees. And do it yourself. And we’ll be rid of all this trouble, and it’ll help the body in many different ways. It’ll walk ten miles instead of five. (386-3) You may readily ask, “Where can I buy such ingredients as Russian White Oil or Sassafras or Tincture of Capsici and you need go no further than the Cayce Boutique at the A.R.E. Center in New York City, located at 241 W. 30th St., http://www.edgarcaycenyc.org/.

LEG AND FOOT PAIN

For most city dwellers it’s difficult to walk on concrete sidewalks all our life. Invariably at some time or another we’re bound to suffer some leg or foot pain. People who stand on their feet for long lengths of time can also be candidates for foot pain or discomfort. Cayce addresses this issue with the following concoction: To 4 ounces of Russian White oil add 2 ounces of Witch Hazel, 1 ounce of Rub Alcohol, and 3 to 5 minims of Oil of Sassafras. He recommends, “Shake this together. Only use a small portion of same at the time. Begin with the hips and rub down (with upward pressure of the hands). This would be good for anyone that stands on the feet much, or whose feet pain. (555.5)

RELIEF AT LAST

Stimulating and exercising the feet are so easy to do that you can perform simple routines while you lie in bed or standing. You’ll not only feel better an exercise will encourage a peaceful sleep. When asked, “Would you recommend special foot exercise? Cayce offered the following solution, “It would be well if there would be exercise night and morning; night before retiring--but after the massage as indicated, see: and of morning just before putting on hose---after the massage has been given. Stand erect (without anything on the feet, of course). Then raise the arms, gently, slowly over the head---directly over the head. Then gradually rise on the toes. Then as the body relaxes or lowers itself, lower the hands and also—the hands extending in front of the body. Then rock back upon the heels, with hands extended sufficiently to strain or to exercise the bursa of the heel, or those portions of the heel AND the arch, you see, to aid in strengthening. Doing this, together WITH the massage of the properties indicated through heel and arch, and especially over the frontal portions of the foot, we will bring better conditions for same. (1771.3)

BEAUTIFUL FEET

Shall we not give our feet their deserved attention and gentle care? All it takes is application of massage oils and exercise to achieve beautiful feet that you will not only take pride in, but have healthy feet that will provide you with comfort and lasting use throughout your lifetime.

LADYLIKE NAILS A WOMAN'S PREROGATIVE

2009-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Awaken Your Sleeping Beauty: Edgar Cayce as told by Polly Guerin

LADYLIKE NAILS

THE HEALTHY WAY
Manicure Make Overs for Beautiful Nails seems to be a top priority with women today not only for good hygiene but for vanity as well. The desire to have attractive nails may refer historically to the old adage that a ‘Lady,’ who led a life of leisure and did not work, was the only one who could maintain such an image. Acquiring beautiful nails is not for the privileged few but available to most all women in the sisterhood of feminine vanity. Career women consider it their prerogative to maintain beautiful nails and so do most other women. However, hygiene is one of the most important considerations when you’re having a manicure. A well groomed hand says a lot about your health and can mirror a wide range of possible problems.

RISKS AT NAIL SALONS

To satisfy demand, in big cities there’s a plethora of nail salons, but caution is advised that you check that these pop up salons are truly adhering to safety and board of health standards regarding implements and sanitary conditions. The use of non-sterilized instruments can lead to infection. In an accredited salon, manicure make overs each week can maintain and even prevent nail problems. In most beauty salons, the beauticians may attempt to trim the cuticles. This is harmful to your nails because it is the cuticles, which protect your nails from germs and bacteria. Instead ask the beautician to only, push the cuticles back with an orange stick. Better yet, the beautician should ask you first whether you want the cuticles cut before proceeding.

Nail Absurdities

When it comes to nail length some women like to go to extremes. Obviously some nails need to be longer to accommodate space to decorate with designs or works of art. I wonder when I see such extended nails on a woman what kind of work can they possibly perform with such extended appendages? Such a person must be an extrovert and if attention is what they want to achieve those decorated nails do the job of attracting attention. Nail lengths were probably at their most absurd during the Ming dynasty or 14th-17th China, when Mandarin royalty thought it the height of elegance and their prerogative to grew their nails up to ten inches long. With such extreme appendages these royals were completely helpless and needed servants to feed, bathe and dress them. Obviously they could not do any work, hence they led a vacant lifestyle that today we might considered the ultimate in decadence.

Nails Mirror Your Health

The foremost requirement for healthy nails concerns proper diet, and good elimination and circulation, which according to the Edgar Cayce's readings are essential for the growth and maintenance of good nails. The eminent psychic advises that particular attention should be paid to obtaining adequate amounts of calcium and minerals in your diet. When severe conditions occur it is best to check with your doctor, because such nail problems as ridges, white spots, discolorations can be warning signs of heart disease, kidney or thyroid metabolism problems. Many older women may notice that their nails become yellowed with age but this may be a warning sign of decreased circulation or undiagnosed heart or lung disease.

Common Nail Problems

In ancient times a doctor would merely check your nails, eyes and tongue to determine what treatment to ascribe to your condition. Fortunately modern medicine similarly can offer medication to normalize the nails’ appearance. When a woman inquired “What can I do to keep my fingernails from splitting?” Edgar Cayce replied, “Add the vitamins necessary so that the glandular forces and specifically the thyroid, are improved. Take a few drops of Atomidine occasionally, say once a month in half a glass of water before the morning meal, or three to five days. Also massage the fingernails with Atomidine. It may stain for at first, but it will get the system going better and we will find this will be different. (2448-1) Cayce also suggested the use of Castor Oil pack treatment to improve the condition of problem nails.

NAIL BITING HABIT

It’s hard to believe that aside from children forming the bad habit of nail biting many grown women have developed a nail biting habit, which may be caused by anxiety and stress. When Cayce was asked “What can I do to correct the nail-biting habit?” he replied, “This is the effect of nervousness---from the gnawing that has been indicated that has been existent for some time in the system, see? And with these corrections, and with the tendency for the body to watch or be careful with self, this (habit) may be eliminated. For, if we take away the cause, the habit is more easily changed. For we correct habits by forming others! That’s everybody! (475-1) Obviously, Cayce means that by examining the cause that is driving the nail biting habit it can be addressed mentally or physically and eventually eliminated.

Natural Product Care

Purchasing expensive nail care products may be your choice, but you do not have to spend a great deal of money to improve the appearance of your nails. The main task is patience, time and effort applying natural products to create beautiful nails. The products mentioned here Atomidine and the Castor Oil packs can be purchased at the Cayce A.R.E. center in New York City, www.edgarcaycenyc.org. Most important in nail care is consistency in the treatment. When cuticles become hardened in winter or irritated due to work-related conditions just apply some warm Castor Oil and rub it into the nails and massage the hands with same. For best results do this at night before retiring.

Beautiful nails are your finest showcase of a healthy and lady-like appearance.

BEAUTY AND THE NONSURGICAL FACE LIFT

2009-11-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Beauty and The Nonsurgical Face lift should interest most women of "a certain age." However, when it comes to determining beauty the phrase "beauty is different to different people" rings true to my ears. After all, beauty is in the mind of the beholder and how that person perceives your beauty can have a lot to do with your inner beauty, a generosity of spirit, a glowing smile and a compassionate heart. The greatest concern of many mature women is how to maintain their skin's firm structure and look younger than their chronological age. It is natural for the skin to age but it doesn't have to require surgery. To lift your outlook on beauty there are excellent natural remedies and some excellent recommendations by Edgar Cayce.
FACIAL FEATURES
It's difficult to noticeably alter the facial features that you were born but there is a lot that you can do to maintain the beauty you have been granted by nature. As a matter of fact, when friends of mine have had face lifts I am amazed by the results, but it seems to me that something is missing in their face. To me that with the smoothing out and tightening of the skin those character lines that made their face so interesting and gave them individuality is missing. I wholeheartedly agree that there is no question about the skill of plastic surgeons and how important it is to correct serious deformities from burns, accidents and war injuries justifies. However, one can avoid cosmetic surgery by natural measures.
POSTPONING COSMETIC SURGERY
The basic approach to postponing cosmetic surgery is an early start on good nutrition, exercise, massage and facial exercises. Exercise!!! Yes, like every other part of our body the face is made up of bones, blood vessels, connective tissue, fat, nerves and 26 voluntary muscles. However, as we age the face may drop, sag and produce a railroad of wrinkles. Negative thoughts ("The MIND," Edgar Cayce 1947-4) and poor circulation can promote wrinkles, blemishes and a ruddy color. Cayce went on to say that spirit, serenity, and positive thinking as well as good health can be reflected in your fact. Poor elimination, he advised, will not only produce blackheads, pimples and dry or oily skin, but he suggests is one of the chief causes of skin diseases.
The Non Surgical Approach
The earlier you start an exercise beauty regime that includes exercising the face the better will be the toning and prevention of wrinkles. Your daily exercise regime should start each day with Edgar Cayce's recommended head-and-neck exercises. It is best to do the facial exercise slowly and gently. First facing forward then slowly turn your head to the right shoulder, pause and roll the head to the back, then move to the left shoulder and return to the front. Edgar Cayce again and again in his readings, emphasized the importance of consistency and regularity in all things saying "Whenever something is begun and then left off, it becomes detrimental." (457-12). Of course, it is best to do this exercise at least six times on either side at home each day. However, there are other exercises to add to this regime.
Eye Exercises
To help to avoid puffiness and eye-strain when working at the computer or reading add this eye exercise is easy to do. Sit erect, eyes forward. Close your eyes roll your eyeballs to the extreme right, then look up, after roll eyeballs to the extreme right and last down to bottom of the socket. Do this exercise slowly and concentrate and hold each placement for one second. Do this exercise whenever you feel the need to relieve your eyes from heavy concentration. You can also squeeze eyes shut, tighten the closure and hold for a count of ten, repeat several times and feel the release.
Drinking Water
My chiropractor, Dr. Scott Keller, a Caycean practitioner is always asking me if I've been drinking enough water because he can tell by the tightness in my body that it needs more water. He recommends at least 8 glass a day to flush our toxins and lubricate the body. On another related subject Edgar Cayce advocated that drinks made with carbonated water were rarely recommend in the readings. One reason for this is expressed as follows:.....keep away from those that tend to producer acidity in the system. Beware of any of those drinks that carry too great a quantity of carbonated waters, or of such natures that produce an alcoholic reaction (1889-1)
Without spending any money you can start early on a beauty regime, but remember consistency and regularity are keys to maintaining beauty through the nonsurgical face lift.

Yearning for a Beautiful, Youthful Complexion

2009-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

When it comes to a beautiful, youthful complexion nothing can be truer than the old adage, "Beauty is but skin deep." (Sir Thomas Overbury 1613 "All the carnall beauty of my life, is but skin deep.") However, it is not so much what is superficially applied to one's skin that creates a beautiful complexion, but what you think that reflects upon how people perceive your beauty. Remember Edgar Cayce said that mind over matter is foremost a consideration, "The Mind!"
(1947-4).
Beauty & Diet
Proper diet underscored all of Cayce's skin remedies. He was an early advocate of a healthy diet and cautioned against the over-consumption of red meat, fats and sweets. Instead, he urged that the diet for a beautiful complexion and health consist chiefly of vegetables, nuts and fruits. It is curious to note that today nutritionists are suggesting the same diet to modern women who like their predecessor sisters seek to claim beauty as their prerogative. Even as far back as ancient times at the Temple of Beauty in Egypt women entered those hallowed halls for beauty's secrets. Beautiful Complexion
I've often been told, "You have such a beautiful complexion." While I appreciate such compliments I realize that my youthful complexion is a result of good diet, good genes and the long time use of Cayce's complexion cream. In the reading 1968-7, Cayce gave the following formula "for making or keeping a good complexion---this for the skin, hands, arms and body as well." Here are the ingredients which I whip up in my blender, pour into a pretty bottle and refrigerate the remainder for additional use: 6 ounces of Peanut Oil, 2 ounces of Olive oil, 1 tablespoon Lanolin (dissolved) 1 tablespoon Rosewater. This blend of ingredients will be sufficient for use many times. It has been part my daily beauty regime and has maintained my complexion without signs of wrinkles, but rather gives it somewhat of a youthful glow. Do try this complexion cream. You'll love the results and it's good for the entire body.
Troublesome Skin
When a teenager asked Cayce, "What can I do to improve the skin condition of face and back, and of scalp and hair? He replied, "At least once a week, after a good thorough workout of body in exercise--following the bath afterward, massage the back, the face, the body, the limbs with Pure Peanut Oil. Then this will add to the beauty. And know, if ye take would take each day, through thy experience, two almonds, y will never have skin blemishes, ye will never be tempted even in body toward cancer nor toward things that make blemishes in the body forces themselves. And the oil rubs once a week, ye will never have rheumatism nor those concurrent conditions from stalemate in liver and kidney activities. (1206-13)
Sunburn Issues
While it is important to take in the golden rays of the sun to obtain its benefits, Cayce cautioned against overexposure to its rays and every smart woman has realized this fact. I've noticed that Southern women particularly know something about the sun being an enemy to a beautiful complexion as they take a sun umbrella with them even when they go shopping. Remember that sun rays can also have damaging affects on your skin even when you're walking on the street. In reading 934-2 Cayce advised, "Let there not be too much activity in the middle of the day, or too much of sunshine. The early mornings and the late afternoon are the more preferable times. For the sun during the period between eleven or eleven-thirty and two o'clock carries too great a quantity of the actinic rays that make for destructive forces to the superficial circulation. As for sunburn he recommended, "Any good lotion would be well for sunburn, any application that would act as a balm, in the forms of some character of oils that remove the fire from the affected areas, such as Glyco-Thymoline. (3051-1) This product is available in the Edgar Cayce New York Center http://www.arenyc/org.
Freckles & Sundry Topics
When I was a young teenager I had lots of freckles bridging across my face and misled by the thought that they were unsightly I wanted to get rid of them and may have even purchased some product to do so. The good advice again came from Cayce. "You'd better try to keep your freckles and not try to get rid of them. These freckles are in the pigment of the skin, and unless you wish to upset something else, don't attempt to bleach more (freckles out) than you would have from the regular conditions. These are partially liver conditions but don't be touchy about freckles, they're good for you. (5223-1) And so it was that the freckles remained but as I matured most of the freckles disappeared on their own.
Just a point of reference for your consideration. You know how fastidious we are about smelling nice. Well, it is curious to note that using commercial deodorants may seal odor but may also be harmful. Cayce said, "The use of pure soaps is preferable to any attempt to deodorize. ANY that allays perspiration certainly clogs the activity of respiratory and perspiration system. (2072-6)
Aging & The Hand
One area of the body that is a telltale sign of aging are our hands. There hasn't been a face lift for the hands yet so we have to work more diligently to keep our hands soft and supple. When asked for a suggestion for any treatment for dryness of hands and skin Cayce advised,
"Use any good oil (Cayce complexion cream for one) on the hands and over the body---it will change. The better change should come within from the better assimilation of that eaten, which will be found to be more improved by exercise of stretching arms above the head and other vigorous routines. Do have these exercises, for they will stimulate the gastric flow and improve health. (2072-14).
A beautiful You is not difficult to achieve and with Cayce's natural remedies it is easy and inexpensive to maintain your right to a radiant complexion that glows not only from the surface but from the inside through healthy diet and a positive outlook on life.

BEAUTIFUL HAIR YOUR CROWNING GLORY

2009-11-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous Hair

It amazes me how often I see a fashionably dressed woman yet her hair is dull and lifeless or worse, dirty. With a proliferation of advertisements about hair products you'd think every woman would have beautiful hair. Not so! As a matter of fact hair loss and baldness is quite a common problem for women. When Edgar Cayce addressed the occurrence of hair loss and baldness in women he pointed out that a high protein diet should be your first and foremost consideration. "Improvement in the diet should include soup from the peelings of Irish potatoes. Add more often the raw vegetables such as lettuce, celery, water cress, radishes, onions, mustard greens. Carrots will make better conditions in combination with these for the sparkle of the ye and for the general vision." (4086-1). Overwork, major surgery, a long illness and specific medical conditions such as Alopecia areata can also contribute to hair loss.
The Crude Oil Remedy
According to Cayce basic massage of the scalp with crude oil will aid scalp circulation. He reommended that crude oil massage and it should be done once or twice a month and that this would be sufficient to renew the cells that produce stimulation through the general distribution of the circulatory forces of the body. You may be repulsed by the words "crude oil" but let me explain. Crude oil is not the kind you get at a gas station, so take a breather and relax. The consumer friendly formula of Crude Oil products and Crudoleum shampoos and cleansers are available today at the Edgar Cayce boutique at the A.R.E. New York (Edgar Cayce) Center in New York City at 241 W. 30th Street, http://www.arenyc.org/ or call 212.691.7690.
In answering the question about what oil should be used on the scalp he said:
"The crude oils are the most satisfactory for stimulating the scalp, to prevent falling hair, to add luster, and to stimulate the growth." (276-4) "Each time after the crude oil massage, when the oil is rubbed in, cleanse same with a twenty percent solution of (grain) alcohol (with) water added. (480-23). This will thicken the hair and bring better conditions to the scalp.(4501-1)
To massage the scalp he recommended: "Place the fingertips of both hands on the scalp. Then move the scalp up an down and round in circles." He also cautioned, "Do not move the fingers in a rubbing motion, the purpose is to loosen the scalp from the skull and increase circulation."
Head-and-Neck Exercise
Another very easy way to maintain beautiful, luxuriant hair is the head-and-neck exercise I do every half hour as I sit working at my computer. It not only relieves neck tension but it also stimulates circulation. Just gently and slowly move your head from front center over to the right shoulder continue rolling over to the back, transversing to the left shoulder and returning to front center. Similarly, reverse the rolling motion and as you do this feel the tension dissolve and circulation improving. Do this exercise at least six time each way. Good any time of the day for that matter when you need to boost your energy and circulation.
You owe it to yourself to have beautiful, clean, shiny hair. Of course, the wealth of hair products out in the marketplace are overwhelming and it is sometimes not easy to find the right one, but Edgar Cayce's natural remedies seem to have outlasted commercial products. It's worth a try. I do it myself and so often I am asked, "Where do you get your hair done, it looks so beautiful?" I reply rather sheepishly, "I do it in Polly's kitchen Sink." Stunned by my answer, they ask, "Oh, where is that?" I reply, "I mean I do it myself with Crudoleum." It's the truth but everyone laughs. Having beautiful hair, however, is not a laughing matter, it is a matter of choice.

The MIND GOVERNS A BEAUTIFUL OUTLOOK

2009-10-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

LONGEVITY seems to be a popular topic today. With women living longer than ever before concerns about maintaining a beautiful outlook dominate their advancing years. There's not reason to be concerned about longevitiy because a very interesting philosophy found in the Cayce reading assures that physical aging is less biological than a result of mental forces putting stress on the body that is aging in nature. Mind over matter takes inspiration from the question posed to Cayce. When asked, "How can people avoid aging in appearance?" Cayce's spontaneous response was, "The Mind!" (1947-4).
That reminds me of my Armenian friend Helene who had the distinct feature of natural dark circles under her eyes. However, you would never have noticed it, if you spoke to her , because of her bright and cheerful personality engaged anyone's attention so the shadows seemingly disappeared, or rather one wasn't prone to noticing them.
If you allow anger, or harbor resentful thoughts or let lingering worries dominate your thoughts, it all comes out on your face. Negative thought patterns like, "I'm going to get sick," or "I'm late for a meeting and will lose my job," are not the kind of worry that will help you solve problems. Just look in the mirror and see how much these gloomy expressions reflect anxiety on your face. Put a positive spin on your thoughts like, "I'm the picture of health," and "I'm late, but I'll call the office and let them know I'm on my way." As you regain composure and confidence you'll quickly realize how important it is to pay attention to your positive thoughts.

I remember a girlfriend who was so angry at the "man who got away," that her negative thought pattern ate away at her youthful beauty. The only one she was hurting was herself and it was not until, after some wise counsel, that she realized this fact and began to put a postive take on the situation. She began to give thanks that she was still young and realized that love was postponed but not denied. Once she switched to positive realization her face took on its happy contenance, for the mind rules over the matter of most any situation.
Cayce recommended, "The mental attitude towards conditions about self and relationships towards others should be kept in a positive manner, or in an activity of continuity of energy in a creative and not destructive manner." (257-63)
Alas, it seems to me that the power of positive thinking is the golden key to longevity,. You'd be surprised how happy you can look when your thoughts focus on the brighter aspect of conditions, and you look for the better characteristics in other people, and world conditions. Remember when Cayce was asked, "How can people avoid aging in appearance? He answered, "The Mind!"

POLLY GUERIN TALKS TO EDGAR CAYCE ABOUT BEAUTY

2009-10-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

AWAKEN YOUR SLEEPING BEAUTY introduces you to the philosophy of the great American Prophet, Edgar Cayce whose counsel on beauty will awaken your beauty from within, for indeed the old adage, 'beauty is but skin deep' says it all.
"If we would have life, give it. If we would have love, make ourselves lovely. If we would have beauty within our lives, make our lives beautiful. if we would have beauty in body or mind , or soul, create that atmosphere, and that which brings about life itself will bring those (same) forces into the experience." (2096-1)
Who Was Edgar Cayce (1877-1945)? By all accounts he was an ordinary, humble individual. He was not wealthy, he was not socially connected to high places, nore did he live in a palatial home or hold a degree in medicine. Yet, throughout his life, he manifested one of the most remarkable psychic talents of all time. While he was asleep, or rather when he was in a trance, he could answer
questions or give accurate discourses on almost any topic. These discourses, called "readings," number more than 14,000 and were transcribed as he spoke. Hence this legacy of readings left a valuable reference that is stored since 1931 at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. (Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., located in Virginia Beach, VA) as a resource for spiritual development, holistic health, and mindful living.
Imagine, if you will, a man so average yet so brilliant when in a trance that when he was given the name and location of an individual anywhere in the world, Cayce could correctly describe a person's physical condition and outline a holistic approach to his or her treatment. Eventually, the scope of Cayce's readings expanded to dreams and their meaning, holistic and healthy lifestyle, even including beauty recipes and advice, philosophy, psychic development and prophecy, and reincarnation.
Sometimes, his recommendation on a beauty question might seem profound but could sound like just good plain common sense. He believed that spirit, serenity, and positive thinking was well as good health can be reflected in your face.