POETRY THERAPY A HEALTHY REMEDY (c)

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)

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)

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.